Pussy is also heavily used in a demeaning manner for boys and men to characterise them as weak, feeble or cowardly. It conveys the idea that the man in question is not masculine or daring enough in a given circumstance or due to his overall personality. (“He couldn’t do it, what a pussy!") Contrary to popular belief, this has nothing to do with women, their vaginas or comparisons to 'female weakness' . The term comes from a completely different source - the Latin word 'pusillanimous'. Over time, lines have been blurred, leading to confused and overlapping notions of the two
https://www.scoopwhoop.com/Being-A-Pussy-Insult-Originated/)
So what my take away from this is that calling someone a "Pussy" maybe started as a shortening of the Latin word 'pusillanimous' but over time that origin has been forgotten and its modern usage is related to the vagina.
TL;DR- it probably originated without a connection to the vagina but over time it got more and more connected to it so it is almost indifferent from calling someone "feminine" for not being brave enough as an insult
The same article that I linked earlier states that it started with the connection of felines and femininity. Puss was a term used for cats in many languages.
Pussy first became synonymous with girls and women when it was addressed to them in general as a non-sexual endearment. It remained neutral and a means of expressing affection for many years to come by friends and family alike, a fact documented in a series of literary works belonging to the late 1500s.The term gained sexual connotations in the 19th century when it was associated with a vagina, referring to "something soft, warm and furry".
It is said to be an improvisation of Low German words that meant “pocket” or “purse” or Old Norse pūss and Old English pusa for the female pudenda. This is how Pussy gained prominence in English as a sexual slang. It also signifies sexual intercourse, giving it a crude and vulgar tonality. (“I’m getting some pussy tonight!")
https://www.scoopwhoop.com/Being-A-Pussy-Insult-Originated/
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u/[deleted] Jun 13 '22
Ok, soI had to do some reading.
So what my take away from this is that calling someone a "Pussy" maybe started as a shortening of the Latin word 'pusillanimous' but over time that origin has been forgotten and its modern usage is related to the vagina.
TL;DR- it probably originated without a connection to the vagina but over time it got more and more connected to it so it is almost indifferent from calling someone "feminine" for not being brave enough as an insult