question

[wickedflea]

What do you think about the term "chick" -- is it uncategorically offensive? What if I mean it as purely as a compliment? Is there still a condescending tone to it?

Comments

[sarcasmosis.livejournal.com]

you know, i feel the same way and know exactly what you mean.

i'm thinking though that it's not bad anymore, and that me and you are way too sensitive. i think maybe it was offensive during the 60s or something and that me and you are just considerate.

what do you think? ponder.

[wickedflea.livejournal.com]

Yeah, I guess it's the whole PC atmosphere that makes me question my use of the word. I think you're probably right about it not being considered offensive anymore, though there are always those who are determined to be offended. :)

[sarcasmosis.livejournal.com]

yeah, those chicks are totally stupid.

[wickedflea.livejournal.com]

Yeah, and not in a good way!

[sarcasmosis.livejournal.com]

when is stupid good when not said by someone stupid?

[lique.livejournal.com]

It depends how it's being used. Such as, oftentimes it's my sister's and my preferred term for women -- not meaning anything by it, just a part of our sibling-slang and the way we speak.

[wickedflea.livejournal.com]

Yeah, exactly -- it's all in how it's used, or the meaning behind it. I guess I was just thinking about how I come off when I use the word, when people don't necessarily know how I mean it. But then, I guess I could wonder that about practically any word. Ack, language! ;)

[cierrablue.livejournal.com]

chick doesn't seem even remotely offensive to me. i use it. i'm a very cool chick, for instance. ;)

[wickedflea.livejournal.com]

Indeed you are! That's the way I tend to use it, implying all good things such as sense of humor, intelligence, and flabbergasting femininity. :)

Re:

[cierrablue.livejournal.com]

exactly!

[bells2783.livejournal.com]

I say chick all the time, usually when I don't know the woman.
Example:

"Ew, look at that chick."

Or

"Who is that chick he's with?"

So I kinda use it condescendingly...but sometimes not too. It goes both ways. I guess it's different when men say it, though. I think it's okay if you're friends with someone?