A Shoutout to the SOBs of the World
How This Negative Acronym Became a Badge of Honor & Redefined a Forgotten Demographic.
Until a few months ago, I'd always thought SOB stood for son-of-a-bitch. Little did I know that in 2002 the acronym took on a new meaning.
Growing up in the 60s and 70s, I remember my dad using this mysterious letter word when other drivers cut him off in traffic. He reserved it for men while calling women ‘Dickettes’ (his female version of Dick.) He tried to refrain from using foul language in front of us, and these code words were one way to do that.
As a little kid, I thought Dickettes must be the second string of the Radio City Music Hall’s Rockettes. I saw them perform on TV and was enthralled by their glittery costumes and precision dance moves. I assumed the Dickettes couldn't kick as high, so they warmed the bench until they could.
I presumed this negative connotation was Dad’s way of referring to those ‘crazy women drivers’ he had to deal with. And while I didn't know what an SOB was, I knew by his tone that I probably shouldn't ask. Thankfully, Dad mellowed over time, and so did his vocabulary.
Like everything else in life, our language is constantly evolving. For example, consider how the definitions of gay and tool have changed. And friends with benefits doesn't mean George and Helen signed up for Medicare. Instead, they probably indulge in Netflix and chill with the help of modern medicine.
I recently learned that SOB now refers to Spunky Old Broad, in addition to its former meaning. I checked the Urban Dictionary to see if it had been added to the current definitions, but couldn't find it there. I WAS amazed, however, at the many uses of the acronym, some quite raunchy.
Did you know there is a Society of Orlando Bloom stalkers? Well, technically, it’s SOBS…
Author/TV Consultant Dr. Gayle Carson started the Spunky Old Broads initiative in February of 2002. That’s why the first day of February is designated ‘SOB Day.’ It’s set aside to recognize spirited, brave, and inspiring older women whose sacrifices and achievements greatly inspire us.
Celebrated the whole month of February, it applauds shining examples of women 50 and beyond who have boldly weathered storms, broken barriers, and lived by their own rules, proving age is in the mind.
Dr. Carson wanted to change the narrative that women over 50 had their best years behind them and there wasn’t much else to look forward to. The spotlight centers on youth, leaving the mature ladies in the shadows and cast aside for fresher meat.
This is evident in so many areas like fashion, entertainment, and careers of all types. Women feel pressured to cling to a youthful appearance, often wearing styles that don’t complement a changing body and (too) heavy makeup to hide the signs of aging. We color our hair, wear clothes that don’t complement our figures and invest in expensive serums to eliminate wrinkles and age spots.
People of means can utilize cosmetic surgery to ‘improve’ the appearance of their aging bodies by:
lifting
tucking
suctioning
injecting
augmenting
reshaping
resurfacing
peeling
rejuvenating
replacing
transplanting
Whew…that’s a whole (booming) industry right there!
The rest of us must resort to over-the-counter remedies and foundation garments, as Maxine reminds us:
When I think of spunky in terms of women, it’s more about females who are comfortable in their own skin. They don’t feel societal pressure about anything.
They live life based on what they want and are comfortable with, not what someone else finds acceptable.
Whether it’s a romantic partner, children, coworkers, or a peer group, their choices are theirs alone. These women embrace gray hair and wrinkles with pride, but if they want to have purple hair or a facelift, they do it because they want to.
They’re not coerced into dressing like someone half their age or wearing the latest trends. However, if that’s what makes them happy, they go for it!
Or, if timeless and classic styles are more their jam, then that’s what they choose.
We should teach younger females this type of confident feminity to help eradicate eating disorders, depression, addiction, and all the other harmful messaging that prevents them from becoming SOBs!
Spunky girls come in all shapes, sizes, and colors. Everything from vintage, grunge, and bohemian to classic, casual, and sexy.
The point is You. Do. You.
Be true to yourself and never placate others by being someone other than who you are. That’s what being an SOB is about. You’ll be happier and attract like-minded people who respect your authenticity, even if it means the occasional off-color humor!
Thanks for reading - I appreciate your support.
I have a book recommendation for you: In case you haven’t heard of it, Old Rage was a great read and certainly pairs well with today's post. Sheila Hancock is the epitome of an SOB!
I heard about it from prue over at
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“Who’s your favorite SOB, and why. (This could be a family member, friend, or someone you’ve never met: an actress, writer, artist, politician, attorney, sports figure, musician, etc.)”
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Dickette. Lol. Great read.
Such a great post! ‘Dickettes’!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Sheila Hancock is not only a great actress but also a force to be reckoned with!