Two Chicks – Reno, Nevada
The history of slang records that the term “chick,” was first recorded in black slang as far back as 1927. Along with the terms “dame” or “skirt,” the term “chick” was used informally (mostly by men) to describe young women. It wasn’t until the 1970s during the height of the women’s liberation movement that women lashed out against that term. Women decried the word “chick” as offensive and belittling, a demeaning diminutive depicting independent women as delicate, helpless creatures. Even worse was the term “girl” which infantalized grown women. A generation or two later, both “girl” and “chick” have experienced a rebirth. This time it’s women themselves who revived the previously objectionable term. It’s become social zeitgeist for women to use the terms to convey solidatity with other women. It’s about “girl power” as exemplified in the phrase “You go, girl?” To the extreme, some women even use the pejorative “bitch” and even “cow” (especially in England) to refer to one another, but I caution any man stupid enough to follow suit. The terms “chick” and “girl” have become uncoupled from such adjectives as “hot” or “smart.” In fact, chick has become an adjective itself: chick lit, chick flick, chick…
