Not often I agree with you but...

When I was growing up, there were pejorative words for females we used in lad-speak like "gash" which were rightly frowned on. But "bird" was a word used to describe females who were young. We all used it, females included. We were lads, they were birds. Just words really. It wasn't offensive. "Women" were those who were long married and had kids our age +

Off to college I go and the middle classes looking down on the proles. I was lectured to understand that, actually and as a matter of uncontestable fact, the word "bird" is sexist and offensive. Because "they" said so.

And do you know what. "They" won the argument. I have had stand up rows with men of similar socio economic background to me who are absolutely convinced the word is offensive and will not listen to any reason or logic. That's what happens when those who have power and influence impose their beliefs on those who have none. It becomes part of society's new DNA.