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ok me and many people have used the word witch, i am called one and do not mind it at all, but many have tooken offinsive with that and i am wondering why is it offensive i only ask because i would like to no and so would many others and why is it offensive

true true, I live with an ex military and I wouldn't dream of calling him sir. More to the point though, the term "witch" is often linked to the wiccan religion. A lot of people don't follow the wiccan beliefs and so get offended when they are called a witch. It's like calling a christian,"Catholic". You're not gonna want to stick around for very long.

Witch does in fact stem from the old english wicce/wiccan which I believe means 'to bend' or in relation to a female magician. It became derogitory as things progressed with the demonization of the term (around the same time it changed to witch). It's why the recent religion of Wicca chose its name (in hopes of reclaiming the positive aspect of the original etymology).

Many people don't mind the term witch for the same reason...to reclaim a rightful positive spin on what has become insulting. Others feel that since the term witch came about in translation around the same time as the negative connotation, the word doesn't have a positive spin and should be dropped alltogether.

I think people get offended over the title witch because they need something to complain about, or they think they are going to get looked at in a bad light or something like that...

thats what i think raven but wanted to get opions :)

Again I agree with Felix LOL! I am wicca and when people mention witch they seem to think only of the dark side therefore I do not care to be called a Witch LOL I am Wicca plain and simple just my 2 cents.... :)

well I think people find it offensive when it is being used in an offensive way. When people hear the word they think of satanism and stuff like that.

witch is commonly referred to as 'evil'. It's kind of like with native americans wanting to be called the name of their tribe instead of native american. It separates them from the masses.

The word witch comes from the latin word (wise one) It is a good word 100%

I don't necessarily get offended by being called a witch, but I am quick to point out that I am not one. I think it's the broad, sweeping assumption that bothers me more.

Not all pagans are witches, just as not all Christians are Baptists.

Actually...it's Olde English for witch (wicce). Middle English for wise was wys which became wizard but since wizard took on male connotations and since in the middle ages witch was more predominantly female.

Interestly enough, wizards were anyone wise (philosophers and magicians alike) and it seems that the term never took on as negative a connotation as witch since wicce and witch almost always implied sorcery/magic of some kind.

there could be 95% of people that don't take it offensively and the other 5% would just because maybe... A) the past history it has had B) People have other terms for other things now and C) Some are ashamed of the term...

Depends upon the context "Witch" is used in.

You are who you are if a person is proud of who they they should never take offense to being called it, unless its meant to be cruel and mean but otherwise you take it however you would want to

I would find it offensive if someone called me a witch. I'm far from the definition of one. And I don't find other people's ignorance a proper excuse to overlook it.

It belittles the meaning of the word and the definition, itself.

Now, if I was seven again and dressed for Halloween, other's could call me a witch then. After all, I was impersonating the stereotype of one.

I think it depends on how the person is using the term/name. I do not mind being called a witch when it is used as a synonym for "Wiccan”. The term however has conflicting definitions.

i think many people acts deffensively about things they don´t know... i consider myself a witch also, because i practice witchcraft... i don´t think it´s an offense...

rhymes with the b word. Also some think of the children's witch (broomsticks ect..) and want a more "politically correct" word. I takes all kinds.

thats the way of the world dear,,,,,,,,,,thats all

Never bothers me, being called witch. Not that people do, because not many know.

The term witch is often used as an insult. I myself do not take it offensively but I'm a guy so I would technicality be a 'warlock'. The only time I would find the word witch offensive is when people say 'Son of a witch' or something like that. Although I do understand the lack of words ending with 'itch'.

Witches are looked upon as being evil from peopel who do not know that there are good witches. So its the label that is placed upon a witch

I beleive no matter the "name" or therm use to call a person, there will be always someone unhappy, as it all depends on the definition itsefl of the word the person consider.

I think some people are afraid of what they don't know about or understand. When some think of witch they think black magic or something evil. But it's the unknown they are afraid of.

i dont care what ppl call me at all anymore they are just words to me

I would not get offended if someone called me a witch, other than the fact that i think the word witch is more of a female title, but other than that i do not think their is anything wrong with that name...

i don't mind being called a witch most of the time unless it is used as a form of insult by my Grandfather who is a preacher then it is kind of offensive. All witches to him are doomed to hell. Ha! Absurd!
I even call myself a hereditary witch on my profile.

Ah. What is in a name? Would a rose by anyother name not smell as sweet?

Sorry Shakspearian Moment there. lol Really though. Every culture and every name has a stigma that several people will find offensive. Redneck, Yankee, Catholic, ect, ect, ect. Some are proud of thier titles, others aren't. Like the old playwrite was trying to teach us. A name is what you make of it. Nothing more. Nothing less. Label, Title, Name, all are the same thing. Words. And words only hold the power that are given to them by the people hearing them.

I've never had a problem with the term, but I think others might because "Witch" is surrounded by such a negative stereotype. "Witch" tends to be connected to the evil old ladies who eat children, whereas other terms such as "Wiccan" are more often associated with the actual nature-based religion.

I don't see noting wrong with witch. Some people this like to complain about anything and everthing.

I am a witch.. so the only thing that really offends me is when people use it in a way that is meant to be offensive..if that makes sense..

Any name or title can be used derrogatory, and witch is no different. Some have no problem calling themselves and others witches, while if you are outside of the community it can be seen as a negative hurl. Just depends on the user.

People are offended by many things, whether or not it was meant to be offensive or not. My sister takes "loud mouth" as a complement.

Everyone has their own preferences, some people like certain terms more than others, then some people don't. It's basically a lose lose situation.

I don't mind it at all. I've gone into wal-mart and had the local mystical shoppe owner scream across the store, "HEY WITCH!" and I just smile and wave back.

Other people just whisper. I guess they consider it an insult.

It all depends.

I don't find the word witch to be offensive or bad at all. I think it is just old superstitions and fears that surround the word.

I don't mind being called a witch. I think when you hear that word it makes you think of an old hag with warts. It's the worlds view.

lol neither do I but its funny how socitey thinks diffrent about ppl who do practice witch craft lol.

it's not offensive at all. If you are a witch then you should be able to be called a witch.

I agree with the first response way up there... it's about perception. i think that to some, it could be considered a compliment. but as with all labels, there is some negative connotations that go with it. and most of society goes along with the negatives rather than the positives.

I also think it highly depends on the tone of how the word is being used. I think it is possible to call someone a witch and mean no harm. but as we all know, words are more often used for hurting people... and sadly enough, calling some one a witch has been used for centuries as a bad label. Calling someone a witch has never really been a good thing society wise. u know what i mean? It's been used more on the offensive, like the word cracker, or the n word. so therefore the connotation that goes with the word, is negative and thats probably why so many take offense to it... even if they are witches because when there is a stigma attached to a word, it kinda ruins the word and the real meaning.

Bloodlust has a very valid point (as do a number of the posts before her)... context is pretty much everything when it comes to this topic.

It really depends on the circumstances surrounding the use of the name.

Actually, I prefer to be called Witch. And besides, the *shock* value is awesome!

I also dont mind being called a witch. As far as I'm concerned I am one. So no offense taken.

In my opinion i do not think a witch and a wiccan are the same thing, i think a witch is mainly a person that does magick and spells, and i think wiccans are more into the religious side like worshipping old gods and goddess's, to help their spells...

When I practiced, it never bothered me, even if the intent was negative. I just saw it as a reclaiming of a word that obviously threatened some other people.

I think it has a lot to do w/ the perceptions that surround the title of "witch". When I tell people I'm a witch, I get looked at funny, or people think I'm joking and laugh. When I say I'm pagan, they tend to take me more seriously and/or ask me to explain what it means because it's seen differently as being a "witch".

I am proud to be labeled a witch and call myself that as well. I believe the word was demonized during the early inquisition and burning times, but I know they judged them falsely then, and people are going to do that today as well.
I feel the more it is used by people, eventually some people will begin to accept it, and me, and understand what it is and is not. I try to educate people as much as possible.

Some people are just to touchy and let little things like that bother them.

To me the term witch is no more offencive than people who have names which are also considered naughty or offencive. I mean names like: Dick, John, Randy, Herbert, Colon, Gaylord, Willy, Nana, Roger, Prance, etc etc.

I believe it is the view of the word in the society in general that one is surrounded by, which determines how a specific word is thought to be.

I personally am druid...... if you called me a witch, I would be by no means offended...... but then again... I do not offend easily.....

I think that most offend by it because its a label.... its a word that most do not understand, and quite frankly if someone doesn't understand something they are apt to take offense to being referenced as being one.... I will have to look into my notes and studies, I noticed that Felixfelix gave a bit on the term, but it goes further back then that..... If I manage to find my notes on this subject, I will post on this further. :)

it depends on who is using it and the context in which they use it.
For example....if a black guy calls another black guy a N***A...and they are friends..then w/e
But if they arent....not good.
Same deal with witch, or B***c or any other name/label.

The terms witch and wizard are both asexual terms neither represents male or female as I have stated before a witch is a witch is a witch is a witch. These terms were only genderized after Crowley, in his infinite wisdom decided there needed to be a change of classification... *side note* that is also why most playgans and wickers use the term magick there is no k the word is magic Crowley added the k to show a difference from prestidigitation.

Now to the topic at hand. The term is neutral and refers to abilities and status. The only time it is either considered good or bad is in the eyes of the ignorant or those who have bigotry to those things that they do not understand. As for using it as a good term. It would be considered a good term on a personal as to where one that the individual respects, that is the same or a higher status, refers to said person in this way. i.e. a high priestess referring to an initiate as a witch. I hope this has helped

I agree with it being amatter of perception of each name and also How it is used in context... in vocaltone.. in demeanor ... in body language used.. everything can add to how the simple name can be taken .. Even a Sweet Name spoken in a Nasty way can be taken offensively and Put people at odds

it's taken as offensive because many times the people who say it only know witches to have warts and cast evil spells. devil worship and such.
~sigh~ it's generally an insult because the people who use it are ignorant. and think of the word as a bad thing. so everyone else comes along and just goes with it because it's easiest to comprehend.

I don't mind being called a witch as I am one what I get offended by is the way in which people call you one like saying you're a witch you should be burned just like in the old days thats what offeneds me not the word its self

I've never been called a witch, I prefer to 'fly below the radar'

I dont mind being called witch. In my opinion it is only ignorant people who think it is offensive.

the question i wonder, is what is the political correct term that dose not offened

Lets not go there shall we. that could lead to all sorts of replies. lol

I don't think there is a problem with that however many people such as Christans ans Catholics do but however they are hipocrits because in the Bible the term "witch" actually means "wise one"

I think some people don't like being called a witch not because they dislike the term, but more because they do not like the idea of being clumped together with all practitioners of mysticism through the use of a label.

To some, it might be like calling a Jewish person a Christian simply because they believe in the same God.

I really feel like people need to stop caring if they are being "labeled" and just concentrate on living with joy and letting it go.

Beshadowed,
You make a good point.
But so does Gwen,

The problem is that most of todays generation have a problem with labels in general. We wish to be known by our actions and not what people call us.

To quote an old cartoon. "Must you people name everything?"

The answer is yes. Without a name it doesn't have substance or form. We feel the need to label what we see so we have a basis for interaction with it. The only differance is that as free thinking individuals we tend to have our own labels and definitions for who and what we are. When this comes into conflict with how other people see us is where mear discriptive words start to become deragetory and offensive. But Like I said before, "Words only have the power the person hearing them gives them."

I have to put this up again...'witch' does not mean 'wise one'. Witch stems from the old english 'wicce' or 'wicca' which meant 'to bend' and became a woman sorceress.

The word you're thinking of is 'sage' which stems from greco/roman 'sabius' or the latin word 'sapius' for 'wise one'...lets not continue to mis-educate people.

I 100 percent agree, when people are called certain names and they are goth or non goth, they can be very offensive, don't think alot of people watch what they said cause you really can hurt a person with just a name.

Felix.... Im sorry, but I believe you and I are going to have to agree to disagree.... This word goes back further then you are taking it....... Wicca..... is actually a very new term.... Crowley... is not OLD..... and to say that the word stems from Wicca.... or Wicce..... well Im sorry.... I just disagree... My studies have shown me much a difference then what Wikkipedia tells..... Witch is a neutral word... it has no gender.... it means male or female.... Now I realize you may not agree with me, but this is not my opinion.... its a factual statement that with the proper research would prove true.... I am not trying to argue, but you say lets not mis-educate people..... Not trying to be coy just trying to be helpful.

i think it all depends on the situation

example: if someone called me a witch i would look at them and say thank you

but if you called my mother a witch she bitch slap you

I guess it totally depends on the person... I myself, wouldnt mind being called a witch. Beacuse I am one... but - maybe it has something to do with the taboo that surrounded the term in the past?

I dont care wat people call me, I think w.e they call me they better mean it. So I hope if you cant think of anythin jus call me by my name. I luv it wen people say I love you Destiny...hahaha... I also believe that if ppl take offence to a name that they should go home and not talk. Who cares wat ppl call you, its not like ur going to die from it or anything. lol!!!

LUV: Des.tiny

If someone who is ignorant to something and tries to use that to belittle me I take no offense... if a stranger says a bad thing about my mother no bother... someone who knows her saying the same thing will "get my goat" so to say.

Does that mean that a Bard calling me an Ovate will offend me? No. What that means is that if you are a witch and you are calling me a witch to piss me off or try and use it in a manner of speaking down to me... I will get pissed off.

That is my opinion on the matter.

Wicca the religion is new...

Wicce (Old English) is as early as possibly 450 AD
and other forms such as 'wicken' or wikken in german stem from that original etymology. It has also been suggested that it stems from other Old English terms like 'wigle' (divination) or 'wig' (idol) but as early as 890 AD wiccan was used as a female sorcerous in Old English Wessex (or West Saxon). This is not Wikipedia at work.

Well that is all fine, but what I am trying to get at is that word...... female..... I have always been taught, and even just recently had a discussion with my arch druid that the word witch is a neutral term... not meaning male or female, but totally neutral.

In origin yes...Wicce is the female root and Wicca was the male root in the Old English. But it became more and more of a feminine as it was used in terms of the oppresive laws passed against it such as Laws of Ælfred.

By the 1600's 'witch' was feminine and 'he-witch' was used. After the subsequent creation of the Wicca religion in the 20th century, witch became gender neutral again.

Ok let me toss my two cents in here... cursedtodarkness is argueing the same point as felixfelix here I just believe her to be a bit blind to it. Witch was a neutral term and is so now HOWEVER throughout times in history it has changed to mean mainly female I only say mainly because not everyone believes things to mean the same. In the same aspect God originated as a neutral term and is now primarily used to mean male as goddess was created for female... does this mean that god is an only male term now? No. This term still means the same as it always has it's just a different look at it no more no less.

A witch can be good or bad it depends on how they use their craft . But in early times they were known as healers and seers . But they love the earth and most of the ones I know do good for others .

Myself i don't believe in labels..i am just me..wheither that be good or bad..I know most people feel more comfortable labeling the things they don't understand..I guess it helps them to accept it better.I can see why people wouldn't want to be labeled..i mean that is after all bein put in a general catagory..not all people they label of course are goin to be the same..not all witches or vampires or emo's or goth..etc..no 2 people are exactly the same in their believes or their actions or in most phases of life..I don't agree in labeling..never will..it just seems wrong.

A name is offensive only if people give it that power to be offensive.

StarDust30 the question at hand was not to the effect of the person being good or bad but more of the term itself. It is not just a matter of opinion but the manner in which it is spoken and the context in which it is used to the person.

Think it's just a matter of preference.so folks are just easily irritated. i suppose it would be the same as calling a Catholic a Methodist..some would be offended ,others would not. both are Christians but different in beliefs.I am a pagan but not a witch, but the term does not bother me.

cryingmoon I hope that your question has been answered if not drop me a line and I will see what I can do.

Some people just get offended because of the negative connotation attatched to it.

Man!! I have to start getting here earlier so i can stop reiterating everyone's posts! lol.

Being called a witch is not a complimant nor an insult..it is a factual statement (if true) why get upset!!

there will always be people who just like to get upset

Well, some people prefer to be called just a Wiccan because the word "witch" has a lot of negative reactions to it.
No matter what the norm is now, no matter how many people know better, in most cases, the first reaction to the word "witch" is a bad one. People always assume that witches use black magic and put horrible spells on people.
People that don't want people to be afraid of them wouldn't want to be called a witch, especially in public.

And also, I forgot to add this in, there are many type of witches...Or people that perform magics, many religions. Both Satanism and Wicca, which are the complete oppisites, so you can understand how a Wiccan would not want to be confused with a Satanist and vice versa.

But wouldn't that in theory make them not want to be called a pagan as to not be labeled as a different faith? I mean witch does not mean just flat out that a person is wiccan....

people are just too sensitive that's all it is

Well, people love to insult me
the problem is...I am very hard to
insult. You are only insulted if
you take offense to what they say.

If a stranger calls you a name, just
shake your head or smile at them.
They do not know you, so any title
they place upon your head is entirely
meaningless...However...

If someone you know well tries to
insult you by calling you a witch...or
the one that ryhmes with it...Just
grin at them and agree...
It pisses them off more.

I don't mind the terminology. In my
personal oppinion all women are
at some time or another a little out
of sorts and can be entirely that way
when they get in a mood...sometimes
deservedly so.

As far as being a witch is concerned...
I tell anyone who thinks it is an insult
that they are showing their own
ignorance rather than laying an insult
on my head. It makes them shut up
in a hurry. Like a black person saying
civil war of the United States started
all over the issue of slavery.

If so, what was the Boston Tea Party?
What do they teach people in school
these days?

i am a witch and i am proud no afince is taken every one should chill on the hole topic

I think being called a Witch is offensive to some because of the what it means to society. That of course is usually completely wrong. You say the word Witch to someone who nothing of the Wiccan religion and they jump back as if bitten and think you are a terrible sin against Christianity. Which of course is as I said before completely wrong....some people just prefer to live in ignorance....and that really bothers me. But yeah I think that may be why some Wiccans take the word Witch offensively.

Names only work if you give them power.
A name or brand shouldn’t upset you if it doesn’t matter.
Iv been called lots …. It doesn’t matter.

I love the word witch especially with fundamental religious people of any faith that thinks the many craft is evil and so forth… “I am trying my best to be the most evil person I can” I tell them…..

i dont bother me ether way

The destinction between witch and Wiccan have become blurred. Originally a witch was a magick user but not necessarily a member of an Earth based religion. A Wiccan is a member of an Earth based religion and not necessarily a magick user any more than a Christian who uses ritual in prayer is a magick user.

The name warlock means an oathbreaker and is an insult to a witch.

I am proud to be a Witch. But I can understand that some people do not like that name.

Monotheistic religions take offense at all paganistic terms. Witch, pagan,wiccan,shaman, etc. All are religions other than mainstream- thus the negativity.

This thread has been automatically closed for length.