What does calling someone a cow mean in Britain?
Posted by ___o----@reddit | AskABrit | View on Reddit | 286 comments
I’ve seen this insult a number of times in movies or tv shows and I’m always a little puzzled. It’s clearly derogatory, but if we called someone a cow in the US, we’d mean she’s really fat. In the UK, it doesn’t seem to mean that at all. Every woman referred to as a cow has been slender. So what’s the deal? Thx.
snavej1@reddit
Cow - a dirty animal, shits & pisses anywhere, not very intelligent, ugly, sometimes gets aggressive, eats nearly all the time, likes to get fat, often smelly, tramples and causes damage.
Rude_Rhubarb1880@reddit
Milder version of bitch
SharkReceptacles@reddit
OP, this is the correct answer. You’re in the US where “cunt” is considered a sex-based insult: over here cunt is unisex but “bitch” and “cow” are reserved for women. No-one would ever call a man a cow.
“Bitch” is venomous; “cow” is also a misogynist insult but slightly less cutting.
Pristine_Speech4719@reddit
Cheeky cow and cheeky moo being incrementally less offensive iterations.
SharkReceptacles@reddit
I think “cheeky” softens any word. “You wanker” and “you cheeky wanker” feel completely different.
JCDU@reddit
Cheeky makes it a playful insult.
Angelf1shing@reddit
Yeah cheeky cow is what you might say to a friend with a laugh about something that you would have not accepted from someone else.
Charliesmum97@reddit
And adding utter to anything makes an insult, like you utter spoon.
Lanthanidedeposit@reddit
See also pure (Glasgow)
FryOneFatManic@reddit
Or absolute.
Senhora-da-Hora@reddit
You udder cow
Charliesmum97@reddit
10/10, no notes
homemadegrub@reddit
Cheeky cunt still hits quite hard tho imo
SharkReceptacles@reddit
“Cunt” is all in the tone. In fact, I reckon it’s all in the T.
Cun’ with a glottal stop could go either way. Cunt with the ‘t’ clearly enunciated is usually aggressive. That might just be my accent though.
temujin_borjigin@reddit
So for an American you might say with a hard T.
SharkReceptacles@reddit
Seriously that’s a pretty good comparison!
Yes, a ‘hard’ T makes all the difference.
DefinitelynotDanger@reddit
Lancashire and I agree
Former_Bandicoot_769@reddit
The t is best pronounced with venom and in times of need.
Ok-Goat-3589@reddit
Cheeky cunt can be a term of endearment
Derezzed87@reddit
Nah, "cheeky cunt" is reserved for your mates. But only your really close mates.
homemadegrub@reddit
Ah ok fair
Tasty-Woodpecker3521@reddit
Cheeky Nandoa. I do love a Nando though, regardless if cheeky or not
LunarLordship@reddit
You can't forget 'Jammy' to soften phrases too, example "You jammy bastard" as opposed to "you bastard"
NoPhilosopher2496@reddit
Jammy just means lucky, it’s not for softening
LunarLordship@reddit
I definitely use it to soften.
ParkerR666@reddit
Yeah you’re using it wrong I’m afraid
DefinitelynotDanger@reddit
It definitely just means lucky though.
When your mate accidentally pots the right ball while playing pool. That's a Jammy Bastard.
Afraid_Simple_4061@reddit
I use 'soppy' as a general softener. Jammy idoes mean lucky. Of someone found a tenner on the floor, they're a jammy cunt. If they're a good mate but are having a bit of a whinge about something minor, they are being a soppy cunt.
Pristine_Speech4719@reddit
But weirdly, "cheeky fucking wanker" is quite harsh.
vanadlen@reddit
When used playfully, yes. ‘Cheeky’ can sound quite serious with the right partner word and the right tone!
ctrl-shift-rewire@reddit
But usually delivered as “cheeky caaaah” from where I am
Tall-Photo-7481@reddit
You will also hear "poor cow" which softens it further. It becomes sympathetic. Usually used in third person but i think ou could probably (sometimes) get away with saying it to somebody's face:
"And he didn't even tell you why he dumped you? You poor cow..."
Be careful though, this could backfire.
TheScottishFoxyBiker@reddit
We do use cow for fat insults too, but we would specifically say "fat cow" or "heffer".
Boldboy72@reddit
was gonna say this.. a cow is any woman who annoyed you, a fat cow is a large woman who annoyed you and a heffer is a really big woman who annoyed you
SharkReceptacles@reddit
True, but even then it’s reserved for fat women. A fat man wouldn’t be called a “fat cow”, a stupid man wouldn’t be called a “stupid cow”, etc.
“Cow” is 100% a sex-based insult, which makes sense as it’s a sex-specific term, albeit not originally for humans.
“Heifer” means almost the same thing, and again I’ve never heard anyone call a man that.
TheScottishFoxyBiker@reddit
Oh no never for a man. Totally agree
Bke4766@reddit
My male gay friends call men a bitch if they are being friendly mean.
SharkReceptacles@reddit
At its root that’s still misogynist, and a lot of women strongly object to it. Obviously no-one can control another person’s speech, but I think if women started calling each other “faggots” as a mild insult, gay men might not be thrilled.
JoviallyImperfect@reddit
Im not saying you're wrong, but bitch has evolved beyond just being derogative to women and informally has other meanings.
Faggot has never evolved from being solely a slur to gay people.
Not the same thing at all.
DefinitelynotDanger@reddit
It still means 'Negative female trait' though.
Like if a man is scared or complaining they're a 'bitch' or a 'pussy' because men find it insulting to be compared to a woman.
Men will rarely get called a bitch for gossiping or saying something mean. Usually only if they're gay.
People get angry when I say this but it's definitely a slur.
JoviallyImperfect@reddit
Im literally not arguing about that, I'm arguing that it's not comparable to faggot.
DefinitelynotDanger@reddit
Not saying you're arguing.
Imo though it is comparable to faggot. The only reason it doesn't feel that was is because people still use it. You used to hear faggot in the media all the time and now it's jarring to hear anyone that isn't gay say it.
Bke4766@reddit
Sometimes an insult can be a term of endearment; if someone calls you (a man) a bitch it’s more likely to be a compliment than an insult. You’ll have to read the room on this one though.
DefinitelynotDanger@reddit
Straight men aren't calling other straight men bitches in a positive way
illarionds@reddit
I mean, it's not unheard of.
Bke4766@reddit
I am from Brighton, me and my straight mates do. Perhaps we are more liberal.
DefinitelynotDanger@reddit
Yeah tbf I shouldn't say no straight men. It's probably still a small minority but I could see it happening in more progressive spaces.
Bke4766@reddit
We also call each other a tart when being daft.
SharkReceptacles@reddit
You’re aware that’s a misogynist term too, surely?
DefinitelynotDanger@reddit
Fair. I'd personally be worried about people over hearing and assuming that I had the wrong intentions. If people just see you as a table of straight men in the pub calling each other these things they might assume the worst.
Success_With_Lettuce@reddit
Erm, excuse me, Brit here, we have faggots as a food too. They are in supermarkets, generally frozen.
Bke4766@reddit
Brains are in my freezer.
JoviallyImperfect@reddit
You know that's not relevant.
Fair_Project2332@reddit
Faggot was originally an insulting term for an old woman, first applied as a slur for gay men in the late 19th century.
SharkReceptacles@reddit
Bitch has “evolved”, according to men, into a milder word through men using it as an insult for other men, but that’s because implying a man is womanly is the worst thing you can say to or about him.
So again, at its core, the word remains a misogynist slur.
JoviallyImperfect@reddit
Bitch has evolved into someone who gossips or is nasty. It may still be misogynistic but tell me one way faggot has evolved in the same way?
Special-Audience-426@reddit
I hear women use cow as an insult to other women far far more than I hear men say it.
Men usually skip straight to bitch or cunt.
illarionds@reddit
Vanishingly rare for men to use cunt to women, in my experience. Reserved for "you are pure evil and you've ruined my life" level venom.
I mean, I swear like a sailor, and use cunt freely - but I've never used it about/to a woman, and I can't imagine ever doing so.
NefariousnessLate375@reddit
Fascinating. I shall use them both for men and women.
TheRealJetlag@reddit
My gay mate calls men “cows” and I’m here for it.
Strict_Pomegranate_3@reddit
Dozy cow is a classic of this genre
Born_Improvement_856@reddit
My husband's fave when he's driving lol
SGTingles@reddit
Yes, "You cow!" is the insult you can shout across the bar at your mortal enemy in a primetime TV soap, particularly as one woman aimed at another. "You bitch!" would tend to be reserved for after the 9pm 'watershed'.
northernbadlad@reddit
My gran is the only person I've ever known who uses cow as a unisex insult. My poor grandad gets called a little cow all the time.
SharkReceptacles@reddit
Context is everything, obviously, but on the face of it an old lady calling an old man “little cow” (even as an insult) sounds quite sweet.
northernbadlad@reddit
We all find it entertaining (him included).
JenSteele2020@reddit
I mean, I’d call a man a bitch - though you’re right that I wouldn’t call him a cow
OneTinySun@reddit
Definitely a different vibe to calling a man a bitch vs a woman though
vanadlen@reddit
Good explanation. There are times when calling a man a bitch is appropriate, but never a cow.
arkhminmte-@reddit
Unless your gay and then we use those terms as terms of endearment or insults…
Opposite_Funny9958@reddit
Came here to say this - also can be used in a “term of endearment “ non derogatory kind of way - “Oh you silly cow, I do love you!”
___o----@reddit (OP)
But why “cow”? The actual farm animal is generally sweet and docile.
I_ALWAYS_UPVOTE_CATS@reddit
Female dogs aren't generally unpleasant either 🤷
ScreenOk1746@reddit
Yes they are vs boy dogs. I work with dogs professionally. There is a reason the word bitch means what it does. The girls are smarter, skeptical, and slow to trust. When a girl dog starts a fight, she intends to end it. They are usually the best to train though, they are more focused and confident.
AJMurphy_1986@reddit
What utter nonsense
NowThenHowDo@reddit
As a dog breeder/trainer I can say this is not 100% nonsense.
Bitches tend to be more 'switched on' or alert than the male dogs.
They can be more vocal too (barking), for an easy example a bitch might be more likely to bark at the mailman but that is what they are supposed to do, they are supposed to be more vocal and sceptical as to alert the males of a potential danger for them to come and sort out.
Like how human women scream during an emergency, its biological coding to alert the males and ask for help in a dangerous situation.
Euphoric_Tradition37@reddit
Am a veterinarian (and owner of several dogs), can confirm there are a lot of differences between male and female dogs that extend beyond the obvious. Bitches are definitely more vocal, and while I don't agree 100% with what was said a couple of posts up, because I actually found bitches easier to train, always alert to their surroundings, always focused whereas 2 of my male dogs would play along for 15 minutes and then decide it was time for absolutely attempting to run up that tree they saw earlier (springer spaniels, say no more). They took much longer to train to the point they had excellent recall. Definitely agree bitches are more switched on.
ScreenOk1746@reddit
Bro I literally said they tend to be easier to train, I don't know why people got so offended. The problem is outside of professionals, people do not understand dogs or how to handle them. They just think they do. But I wouldn't be a dog trainer if there wasn't never ending business from people who can't even walk their little dogs. So funny how I got "dog piled" on and idiots who don't work with dogs, think they know better than someone who works with them daily and has trained hundreds and hundreds of dogs. But they can't walk large breeds, I am 4ft 10, and I can walk huge dogs with a slip lead without having to touch the leash ever for a correction.
NowThenHowDo@reddit
Whilst most of my experience is with giant breeds, Yeh absolutely.
Bitches are much easier to train because of said traits. Much more alert and switched on. Because they have to be, they have the pups to protect.
Whilst dad is off doing his own thing and taking a nap until some actual danger appears, Hence the barking from the bitch to alert him.
Chihiro1977@reddit
You and the fake vet are talking crap.
Euphoric_Tradition37@reddit
Well I'd love to know what I was doing for that 8 years when getting my degree, but please tell me more.
Euphoric_Tradition37@reddit
I'm going to assume, given you deleted your last rude comment, that you saw the post where I mentioned doing tech support? I do. That was not a lie. I'm not lying that I'm a vet either, you know you don't suddenly become unqualified just because you do something else, right? As it is, I do work as a vet as well.
The practice I work at can only offer me a part time contract at present and I like them enough to stay, so I supplement my income with other work. Not everyone has the luxury of doing their dream full time job. Yours seems to be nosy cow (see what I did there?)
I've also done volunteer work in central Africa, you might wanna add that to your casebook??? Hope that clears that up.
NowThenHowDo@reddit
I cant speak for the credentials of the vet but...
I'm going off my 30 years of training and breeding 100s of dogs.
What are you going off, your pet dog?
Euphoric_Tradition37@reddit
They seem to have a bee in their bonnet about something, sifting through my comment history to determine what I did for a living. I'd be keen to know what their credentials are too, but I won't waste my time with sifting through their comments because they're clearly an armchair detective.
Chihiro1977@reddit
Nonsense. Also, we can see your comment history and you're not a vet.
ScreenOk1746@reddit
Thank you! Of course not every boy and girl dog act as sex would suggest, but it is observable. I've trained hundred and hundreds of dogs of all different breeds. I am confident I know more than the 80 people who downvoted me just because they don't like being wrong.
impermanence108@reddit
If I'm the victim of an emergency I'm screaming too.
stealthykins@reddit
“Dogs fight for breeding rights, but bitches fight for breathing rights”
WotanMjolnir@reddit
Peak Reddit.
DeniseReades@reddit
Maybe they just don't like you
Guppybish123@reddit
Oh you REAL dumb
Rude_Rhubarb1880@reddit
Because cows are moooooooody
notAugustbutordinary@reddit
Moody is one of the more common adjectives to go with cow in my part of the world.
Zal_17@reddit
That was udderly terrible
Sea_Appointment8408@reddit
Stop milking it
Oh-reality-come-back@reddit
Ugh can we move past-ure this joke already?
brickne3@reddit
Cud we please?
SharkReceptacles@reddit
Interestingly, because we have so few venomous or predatory animals over here, cows are technically the deadliest in terms of human fatalities (excluding other humans, of course).
They’re sweet and friendly until they’re protecting their calves and/or you walk your dog too close to the herd.
I don’t think that’s the basis for the insult though. It’s basically just “shut up, woman”.
ionthedonut@reddit
Cows are the most deadly animal to humans in the UK. (Apart from humans of course.)
Dilemma210@reddit
I’ve always thought it’s because cows are viewed as stupid.
A bit like how right wingers will call ‘woke’ people sheep.
Oh-reality-come-back@reddit
They can be hard to handle and a stubborn is the reason I’m guessing
Mikon_Youji@reddit
Because why not basically.
mralistair@reddit
big, ugle and smells of poo.
plenty of female dog's are lovely.
Hot-Box1054@reddit
They’re fat and a bit dopey
BortVanderBoert@reddit
So are bitches.
Rich-Bass-2358@reddit
IMO Best answer.
HungryFinding7089@reddit
Yep, a mean woman
Euphoric-Wall-2576@reddit
I don't think it's always just mean though. "You're being a cow" suggests meanness but "you daft cow" doesn't imo.
Local_Beautiful3303@reddit
Fully support this
fractals83@reddit
Or fat, dumb and stupid
Bksudbjdua@reddit
Hmm a don't know about that, I honestly think being called a cow is worse
Top-Setting5213@reddit
I also agree. Bitch feels way friendlier than cow. I reserve cow for people I genuinely despise, I'd call my friend a bitch for very little
Holiday_Trees@reddit
I agree, unclear why you are being downvoted.
Oh-reality-come-back@reddit
Why?
Fellsy8@reddit
I think it's subjective; I always think of it as being slightly milder than bitch but obviously still derogatory , however, my eldest daughter once called my younger daughter a twat [they were teenagers] and my youngest daughter was very affronted. I relayed the episode to my mother who felt my younger daughter was being overly sensitive and said, "It's not like she called her a cow." To me, twat is far more offensive than cow.
Out of interest, I have never seen a fat cow, they pretty much just eat grass and hay so are always quite slender. Are American cows fat? Confused as to why calling someone cow would mean they're fat.
JeevestheGinger@reddit
If you think you can't get fat on grass and hay you need to be introduced to my small pony 😂
But I mean, cattle are large animals, and they get made into burgers. I can see it.
___o----@reddit (OP)
lol. Twat is female genitalia, right? That’s definitely worse than cow to me.
As for fat cows, well, everything is fat here. And I think just the bovine shape is rounded and that suggests heaviness.
HamsterTowel@reddit
Twat is a complex insult as depending on the context and who is saying it to who, it can be meant fondly to mean someone is a bit of a silly Billy or a plonker such as "you daft twat! 😂" or it can mean someone's a complete a-hole "what an absolute twat 😡".
Mind you, I think other insults are probably like that too. My best friend can call me a cow in a joking way "you silly cow!" but if a stranger called me a cow they'd most likely be meaning it in a similar way to a bitch.
rusty6899@reddit
My mum grew up in Scotland and thought “twat” just meant “twit” she ruffled a few feathers when she moved to England and used the word quite liberally.
Sad_Werewolf8@reddit
I see it as having two interpretations.
A 'silly cow' is usually said in fun, meaning the woman is being a bit dozy. 'Silly moo' is a more friendly way of saying the same thing.
'she was a right cow' means she was being really mean or nasty.
I suppose the reason cow is said is to denote a slow witted, or slightly stupid, female as cows can seem a bit dozy when they're just watching you as they're chewing the cud 🐮
Constant_Phone5487@reddit
I think it means nasty mostly but yes your explanation is very good
CazT91@reddit
I've always considered Bitch as more to do with being nasty – where as cow is more to do with being stubborn to the point of being obstinate.
Prestigious_Sand1978@reddit
Cow is a soft insult for a woman. Depending on context it can be insulting or the opposite. For example you could say “you cheeky cow” when a woman you don’t know pushes past you in a queue. But if a woman you know has a lucky experience you could call her a “lucky cow” and it wouldn’t be considered insulting.
spank_monkey_83@reddit
I prefer cow bag
MidasToad@reddit
No particular quality - it just means 'Horrible woman'. E.g.
These people could all be called a 'cow', usually accompanied by another expletive descriptor.
Loose-Faithlessness4@reddit
Usually an ugly woman but it could also refer to anyone more generally.
AirlineSevere7456@reddit
Yeah just a low level insult for a woman. Might have been used in jokey friendly way too, "you silly cow" etc
Dangerous_Hippo_6902@reddit
Never the word but the tone in which it’s said.
It was a common offensive/swear when I grew up in the 1980s but a bit dated now.
spacecoyote555@reddit
You'd usually say silly/stupid cow
Weak-Possession-7650@reddit
There's also, "You jammy cow". As in, "Lucky you. How did you manage to get/do that?"
The phrase has a myriad of meanings in the UK.
Efficiency_base@reddit
Alternatively, daft/dozy cow
sunofdork@reddit
lazy cow as well
Grey_Belkin@reddit
Or poor cow, which is disrespectful (only to be used for or around people you know well) but not really derogatory.
Significant-Key-762@reddit
Or stupid fat cow
Efficiency_base@reddit
Truly is a versatile word thinking about it 😂
Pebbles015@reddit
That's different. You call someone (usually a female) a cow if they are unpleasant. Dozy/silly/stupid is like ronseal.
Oh-reality-come-back@reddit
Agreed. Calling someone silly cow is cute - like a ruder version of calling someone a silly sausage
sherlock_strikes@reddit
I dont think this is true. I find silly cow incredibly demeaning and patronising- it's worse than just cow because youre not just mean, you're mean AND thick and the person saying it invariably considers you beneath them.
Oh-reality-come-back@reddit
That’s fair. Maybe it’s regional? I’m in south London and it’s normal to throw that kind of insult at strangers and friends in a non serious way
Still_Yawning1302@reddit
Yeah, I would not find it quite so offensive I don’t think, but I think that the milder version of this crosses to a different mammal - and dozy mare is the affectionate way of saying you’re a dafty.
SteveJobsGhostNob@reddit
It depends. Fuckin cow means something else. It’s violent not condescending
Oh-reality-come-back@reddit
Disagree. That’s the milder form of it. Silly is stupid cow can be an actual insult or a bit of banter. Like a ruder version of calling your friend a sausage / silly sausage.
Calling someone just a cow is unmistakably a non-jokey insult
Ok-Error2510@reddit
Yes and then again no. People often call each other "you cow" just as they would "you bitch" if they say something catty or snooty. I honestly dont think cow is used as a real put down anymore.
jesusbambino@reddit
I’m a fan of “moany old cow”
Curious_Octopod@reddit
nasty, spiteful, needlessly cruel and probably stupid. Cow is an insult; like a poison dagger - you only use it when you really mean it.
Feeling_Anteater_142@reddit
It's often used to a woman when she says something a little stronger than might have been accepted, oh you cow.
Exotic-Voice-4729@reddit
If someone is being a cow they are being rude or mean to you but not out right nasty. Out right nasty they would be a bitch
EasyCheesecake1@reddit
Actually not like how cows are, it is a bit like calling someone a bitch but I think it's as if the cow represents a bitter older woman being mean. It's not a term I would use.
alberoTranquillo@reddit
It's used against a nasty, unkind woman - "she was a right horrible old cow" or in jest with a female friend "oh you cheeky cow"... it's abit more old fashioned now I think compared to what kids would say today.
Hawkstreamer@reddit
It's a bit like bit*h.
Toaneknee@reddit
In East London it’s pronounced ‘kaya’
TitchJB@reddit
My mother would literally vibrate with fury if she heard me say a person was a cow. After years of confusion about her reaction s
he told me that where she grew up in Scotland to call someone 'A Cow' was to call them a prostitute.
Old_Metal_8285@reddit
It's the equivalent of being called a 'heifer' in the US.
Particular-Lime1651@reddit
It's offensive, but not too offensive. It's like, PG offensive. Same line of thinking as bitch, but not as bad.
Ok-Hovercraft9348@reddit
If I say someone is a cow she's a mean woman. I agree with others that 'You cheeky cow' is more of a joke and even funnier if said to a man
onlyoneofmetoday@reddit
It is to do with their personality not their looks, it means they have a nasty personality or attitude about something,
missOmum@reddit
There are various levels but it’s usually a softer way of calling someone a bitch, but if you add silly to it, it’s an even softer insult, and closer to silly itself but sharper, if it makes sense.
Stunning-Wall1487@reddit
Poor cow isn’t really an insult, just an expression of pity but Brits calling woman cows don’t have anything to do with weight
Sonarthebat@reddit
It's just an insult for women, akin to "bitch".
SpaceSquirrl@reddit
I agree with what others have said, but also wanted to add that I’ve never heard anyone under the age of 50 use it - at least not in the South. I think it’s quite dated now!
pusopdiro@reddit
Not always an insult either, sometimes someone will say 'poor cow' about someone which is more neutral.
lazerbullet@reddit
Not very common in my experience!
pippamintea@reddit
I think it's a bit dated. It definitely wasn't a mean thing. I guess it might be a bit like how people used to mean "wretched".
Queen_of_London@reddit
I've used it, but I think I might be the last generation to use it regularly (I'm 50). Definitely very different to actually saying someone's a stupid cow, or she's such a cow.
Raisinsandfairywings@reddit
I suppose similarly you might say “poor bugger” or “poor sod” which has similar vibes.
lazerbullet@reddit
Oh yeah, I’d say that. “Poor bastard.”
homemadegrub@reddit
Not if you're a farmer or vet discussing how to treat a lame or sick bovine
gabbysuperstar@reddit
Generally someone who is a fat, lazy and a bitch. Or just annoying
Goldf_sh4@reddit
It's a slightly less sweary way of saying bitch
richardathome@reddit
As someone who grew up in Derbyshire working on farms as a kid, it always surprised me 'cow' is used as an insult. They are intelligent, inquisitive and friendly. All traits I look for in people.
NaniFarRoad@reddit
We rented a cottage a few years ago, and set up a barbeque. A small flock of cows trundled over to have a nosey. Thankfully we were having chicken and bangers and no beef, otherwise it might have been awkward... Surreal experience.
Particular-Bid-1640@reddit
A calf once ate my Weatherwriter :(
MrDiceySemantics@reddit
A moose once bit my sister
EmploymentNo7620@reddit
My sister is a moose
prosupine@reddit
my sphincter is loose
Old_Professional_378@reddit
This is why I love Reddit.
richardathome@reddit
I got bitten by a raccoon in Matlock. Go figure. (Matlock Castle Zoo, long gone now)
Maurice_Foot@reddit
Maaaaaatlocccccck!
OurSeepyD@reddit
Yup the traits I generally look for in people are: 1. Can digest lots of grass 2. Lie down before it's going to rain 3. Get spooked and potentially stampede when dogs are around
___o----@reddit (OP)
I also grew up on a farm (in Missouri) and said the same that cows are really nice—and 57 British people downvoted me. Lmao. I stand by it, though. Actual cows are lovely creatures.
CrowLaneS41@reddit
I also grew up in Derbyshire, I still love walking through a field filled with grazing cows. They're a top bunch of ladies.
Bulls on the other hand are terrifying, especially when all the cows run to one side of the farm and the bull is standing alone, staring at you to leave the field.
SharkReceptacles@reddit
Couldn’t resist, sorry: https://youtu.be/EsWfh7pz5ag?si=q90TecVV0I8Hf65I
Rusty_Tap@reddit
Many cows are considerably more intelligent than people I have met.
unclelumbago1@reddit
Big fat heffa.
True_Yak139@reddit
It can be regional, in Scotland, a woman being a cow is generally meant as a loose woman, akin to a slut.
suntanC@reddit
Eh? Where are you from in Scotland that that's true? I'm from Glasgow and lived in Fife and Dundee for a number of years, and never, ever did calling someone a cow mean she was a hoor! That's nuts! Cow was like a bitch or boot!
True_Yak139@reddit
I am 62, lived in east end Glasgow, always has cow been a hoor, always.
twospoons11@reddit
A bitch
Moorhenlessrooster@reddit
It's a bit old fashioned. Meaning depends how it's said. A right cow/real cow = hard to get on with and unreasonable. Stupid cow = woman who is dim and hostile, hard to get on with. Silly cow could be affectionate.
All depends how it's said, Brits often call people a rude word in a tender way to express affection or sort of 'I could be annoyed with you but I forgive you'.
I don't think there's an association with being large.
Phospherocity@reddit
I like this explanation. People are answering with someone who is "nasty" and it certainly can mean that but I feel like often it's someone who's more difficult than either intentionally malicious or stupid. The last time I muttered that someone was "being a bit of a cow" they were being prickly and obstructive, and seemed to expect a lot of unreciprocated effort. They weren't aggressive or cruel or anything like that.
Moorhenlessrooster@reddit
Yeah it kind of means ''a woman who won't bend to my will' which is a compliment of sorts! Someone who is a stickler for rules or won't be talked out of their own perspective.
Mikon_Youji@reddit
It's kind of the same over here, but mostly it's just another way to call someone a bitch.
pullingteeths@reddit
There's a slight difference in that bitch is used towards women and can also be used to insult a man by insinuating they're feminine whereas cow is only ever used towards women
Euphoric_Tradition37@reddit
Yes, it's definitely the softer version of bitch.
LastLevel1898@reddit
Only inoffensive when describing a close female friend as a joke (to their face). If it's someone you don't know you might get a smack int gob
Cro-magnolia@reddit
It's irreverent but not necessarily insulting, depending on the adjective it's paired with. Stupid cow or fat cow are quite negative but silly cow not so much.
sf-keto@reddit
They’re a social class element too: the upper class women who are good friends still affectionately call each other “silly cows” all the time.
The middle class don’t use the term for the most part.
The working class tend to use it as meaning “ho,” or easy. It’s an insult.
In Scotland, as others have said, it’ll get someone a broken nose. It’s a big deal.
Ok-Goat-3589@reddit
The prefix makes a massive difference.
Silly cow, dirty cow, daft cow, thick cow and utter cow are all very different.
Khaleesix87@reddit
To be fair it all depends on how it’s said what tone is used and what words come before the word cow. For example you cheeky cow can be intended like you cheeky monkey etc but you’re such a cow or you utter cow would be the nasty use if that makes sense us 🤣🤣
Born-Car-1410@reddit
When I was growing up in the Medway Towns in the 70's, we would use cow to refer to a woman and sometimes cow-son for a bloke. As in, "What are you looking at, you dopey cow-son".
I've never heard it anywhere else.
parabolicurve@reddit
Maybe this will help?
1AlanM@reddit
Depends where you are, and the way it’s said. Does it come with adjectives?
Here in Glasgow if I called someone a cow I could be saying that they were promiscuous and would go with anyone.
marvinthebluecorner@reddit
Like a bigger lazier bitch, who stands around farting all day 👍
Indigo-Waterfall@reddit
There not really a specific meaning, it’s just a general derogatory insult for a woman.
Aggravating-Web2415@reddit
Cowbag: not always a cow but acting like one.
Branch_Same@reddit
There is also the milder version of cow which is to call someone a Moo
Timely_Egg_6827@reddit
We call one of our pets a right cow as she is a bully. Always up for aggro.
Think it comes from people that actually lived with beef cattle.
Hal1342@reddit
In Glasgow it’s quite the serious insult; expect a fight. I live in England now and got a bit confused as it’s a lesser insult here, so I guess it depends were you are really.
Distinct-Hedgehog-57@reddit
Someone who is intentionally mean
Tasty-Woodpecker3521@reddit
I have never known it said with love , nothing to do with cowboys... hey I am 63yrs , times change xxx
PassionFruitJam@reddit
Interesting one because I've absolutely heard this used with empathy/love - for example, something terrible has happened and the reaction is "oh my, the poor cow". And no negative aspersion meant. It's a very contextual reference I guess.
Tasty-Woodpecker3521@reddit
Yes i agree, it' s contextual. X
NaughtyDred@reddit
A Karen is somewhere between a bitch (as in a bitchy person, not a lil bitch) and a cow.
Before a Karen was a thing, they for sure would have been called both a bitch and a cow, so if you go from bitch to Karen and then go a bit further, whatever you'd call that, that's a cow
Garybaldbee@reddit
I suspect 50% of the country wouldn't have a clue what it meant if you called them a Karen. Except thinking that you'd got their name wrong. It's very much a new thing which doesn't cut across all demographics.
NaughtyDred@reddit
True, and the more demographics it's passes to the more warped it becomes, as with any new word/phrase
BeaDrawDabbity@reddit
In Glasgow a cow is another word for whore/slut/slag. You can call a woman a bitch, but that doesnt question her sexual morals. Calling her a cow does. I’ve known a few english lassies who said “oh you poor cow” which to them implies sympathy. But the poor cow is now insulted on top of whatever situation that led to the english lassie sympathising with her. Its very regional
junkiefeker@reddit
I would say in glasgow its a serious insult to call a woman, especially for a man. Basically the same as slut or slag but also fat. Not nice at all.
FumbleCrop@reddit
A disagreeable woman.
squeekypengin@reddit
Normally used towards an angry women who’s on the larger side of the weigh scales
HamsterTowel@reddit
It's not necessarily weight related though.
Impressive-Pause-784@reddit
moody and/or fat
HalfAgony-HalfHope@reddit
I once called my american roommate a cow because she'd jokingly thrown something at me. Her reaction was abut off but I didnt realise until YEARS later that she thought I was calling her fat 😕
___o----@reddit (OP)
Lmao. That’s what most of us would think.
Usual_Cryptographer3@reddit
Pedestrian, obstructive, ignorant and at times uninspiringly vindictive.
Sxn747Strangers@reddit
A bit like a part bitch or a half bitch, but it goes up a few notches if she’s a fucking cow rather than just a cow.
MarkWrenn74@reddit
There's an old British TV sitcom called Till Death Us Do Part, whose lead character, Alf Garnett, always used to call his wife Else a “silly moo” (as in “cow”). It's a mild insult with a hint of sexism
humpty_dumpty47368@reddit
Awkward, mean, unhelpful.
Parking-Ostrich-1828@reddit
In scotland it means different things. Its coukd mean a bitch or a slut
Pickle-dee23@reddit
We don't say cow, we stick to cunt
No_Constant_1026@reddit
It's way more insulting in Scotland than elsewhere in the UK
johnnycarrotheid@reddit
We have an interesting way with language up here 😂
Parking-Ostrich-1828@reddit
Yeah "she's just a dirty cow" 😂🤣😂
Parking-Ostrich-1828@reddit
😂🤣
Elfynnn84@reddit
In most contexts, a mild version of bitch. She is being mean or difficult in some way.
“Stupid cow” implies stupidity as well as nastiness. “Dozy cow” isn’t as abrasive and can be said by a friend without any real offence being taken. “Dozy moo” is an almost endearing variant.
It’s almost never used as a comment about a woman’s weight.
deeholt@reddit
Unless you say "fat cow" of course.
Fit_Importance_5738@reddit
Someoen who acts entitled, or arrogant, and makes big fuss when they dont get their way.
That old cow is getting on the bus again, the one who takes forever refuses all help when offered and even shoos people away with an arrogant tone.
ScottishOnyuns@reddit
In Glasgow, it’s a woman who sleeps around/sleeps with other people’s partners
Maurice_Foot@reddit
Wots ‘er name?
flavouredicecubes@reddit
Dozy cow is what angry husbands used to call their wives.
Silly cow is what women used to call Karens
Wickedbitchoftheuk@reddit
It doesn't mean much. A very mild derogatory term.
skreminchezeus@reddit
Gender/Sexual insult. No agency or choice when 'reproducing'. Once, considered very offensive.
stinkyswife@reddit
We go one further in the Black Country/Birmingham area and use it as an adverb. "There's no cowing Bovril!"
Whollie@reddit
It is used on TV shows because it's not actually swearing. Not to say we don't use it, we do, but it's more prevalent on tv for that reason.
Sea-Network-8640@reddit
Agreed with cow being like bitch but "dozy cow" is less harsh, used privately with a friend who has done something dumb, but like donkey? If you were referring to a fat person meanly you'd probably say "heffer".
Neonauryn@reddit
I'm in the south of England, and generally I'd say it's used to describe someone who is stupid and/or malicious. It doesn't necessarily have anything to do with weight although I'd say generally it's directed it's used against or amongst middle aged women.
fatveg@reddit
That's right. Stupid/malicious overweight women you would term a 'fat cow'
Conscious-Low3187@reddit
Means pretty much the same, a fat, ugly women. But it’s pretty much a lesser version of bitch.
Lessarocks@reddit
I’m Scottish and growing up in the sixties and seventies, it was used as a synonym for slag. But when I moved to London, I found that the term had a softer meaning me that calling someone a silly cow was often a term of endearment.
Reesy@reddit
Means you're a nasty bitch :)
blumpkinator2000@reddit
It's a little tamer and less vicious than bitch, however it can also imply that the person on the receiving end is somewhat fat or heavy.
Sometimes it can be used between friends, in the right situation and with the right tone of voice. As in, "Hahaha, you're a daft cow sometimes!". In this case, it may likely be softened down to "silly moo". You'd need to know each other well enough to have a mutual understanding that it was being said in jest.
Saying it venomously, e.g. "MOVE, you DAFT COW", is almost guaranteed to cause offence. It's the sort of thing you may think if your boss was hogging the photocopier, but wouldn't actually come out and say unless you were trying to get fired on the spot.
Equal-Competition930@reddit
Usually means your not nice person . Interesting saying you have cow eyes although is a comment . I only know that apparently my uncle who I barely remember was said have cow eyes
Euphoric-Wall-2576@reddit
It's kind of a generic sexist insult for women. Meaning changes with modifiers like "silly cow", "stupid cow" etc. Much like 'bitch'.
Holiday_Trees@reddit
Yes, sexist. I think its worse than bitch, though bitch is misognyistic, too. I hsve never heard anyone reasonable and intelligent use either.
1CharlieMike@reddit
It's a misogynistic name for a woman you don't like.
Holiday_Trees@reddit
The misogyny is a crucial part of the interpretation. Without that you don't really understanding what you are hearing or saying.
Diddleymazzz@reddit
It’s rude.
PootMcGroot@reddit
Generally, it's a mild version of bitch, but it changes with adjectives.
It can also mean someone's done something mildly stupid - you can call a female friend a "silly cow". That's not so rude.
A stronger version of that is "stupid cow", basically calling a woman an idiot. That's ruder and people will take offense.
weedywet@reddit
Means she’s udderly fascinating.
AlternativeGreedy787@reddit
EastEnders Peggy and Pat - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wxPWSbCGTiM
Pure-Dead-Brilliant@reddit
This is exactly what sprung to mind.
self-conscious_s@reddit
You must say cow a lot in the US then
Far-Abroad-2040@reddit
Silly cow is what your Nan or mum will say when your upset over something silly, its meant to be endearing
steve_drew@reddit
Cow can mean a few things
It’s an insult to a woman, can be replacement for bitch but can also be used to indicate stupidity
irish_horse_thief@reddit
Best bit of graffiti I've seen for a while is the word.. COW... on the H Bridge over the Railway tracks in Rhyl. Makes me smile every time I go over there.
drPmakes@reddit
There is usually a qualifier so you know: fat, stupid, ugly, poor, sad etc
Superb-Ad-8823@reddit
Generally means they are not a nice person.
Difficult-Post-3320@reddit
Which is odd because cows are really nice.
Rusty_Tap@reddit
Not if you are made of grass.
triciama@reddit
I'm from Scotland. Calling someone a cow is saying that they are a slut. This was a common insult in the 70s. It's now used the same as calling someone a bitch.
Constant_Phone5487@reddit
It just means she is nasty.
Decard_Pain@reddit
Depends how it was said, "ya silly cow" could be meant in an endearing way. "You stupid cow" is clearly mean.
Context is important.
peeiayz@reddit
Means ur a bit of an ass 😂😂
parkchanwookiee@reddit
It still has a connotation of fat it's just applied without respect to whether that person is actually overweight or not, it's just a mean thing to say to anyone you don't like. "Bitch" doesn't mean anything about someone being like a female dog
UKNightWatch@reddit
Online [AI] search brings up:
[I added bold / italic formatting].
It is all about context, situation and intent - the same applies for 'cow' and 'b!tch'. The latter is becoming more of a weak / jovial term just as the former did [UK] but both can still be used in a very hurtful demeaning way.
kimba-the-tabby-lion@reddit
It doesn't mean bitch.
Bitch is aggressive and/or angry and/or selfish.
Cow has more vacant/passive/empty/slow meanings. Like to busy chewing her cud to notice the curtains are on fire. Hence stupid or silly rather than f'ing.
Both sexist, but there are so many different way to stereotype and diminish women. It's a kaleidoscope 🦄
feathersmcgraw24601@reddit
It's definitely used in television, especially soaps, as a replacement for bitch
Equivalent-Ant6024@reddit
Someone says that to a person they dislike for some reason
FrontAd8867@reddit
well it more of add-on to bitch
Like "She's a bloody cow"
translate to "She's a bitch"
(that was for example i do not mean any rudeness to anyone. I'm just using those two sentences as examples)
No_Effective_4481@reddit
Basically being angry at a woman and insinuating she is stupid and/or fat. I feel like it's not used all that much these days compared to probably the 80s and 90s.
Particular-Bid-1640@reddit
I feel today it's more often used in a friendly way, i.e. "you silly cow, silly moo"
elimercer@reddit
Silly Moo is a variation too
SpecialLengthiness29@reddit
It's usually derogatory but necessarily about appearance. I think we mainly use it to describe a mean-spirited women.
Jeanniejelly@reddit
It's short for "cowbag". You're welcome!
b135702@reddit
It's a misogynistic name-call. Like twat, bitch, donut, prick, etc 😇
lovinglifeatmyage@reddit
She’s a bitch
qualityvote2@reddit
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