In contemporary English, use of the word pussy to refer to women themselves is considered derogatory and demeaning, treating people as sexual objects.[11] As a reference to genitals or to sexual intercourse, the word is considered vulgar slang. Studies find the word is used more commonly in conversations among men than in groups of women or mixed-gender groups, though subjects report using pussy more often than other slang terms for female genitals.[12] There are women seeking to reclaim the word[13] to symbolise sexual pleasure,[14] power,[15] and trust in their bodies (e.g. around childbirth).[16]
