The article reflects on the pervasive and derogatory use of the term 'vagabunda' in Brazil, particularly highlighting its impact on women across various contexts. The author shares personal experiences of being a victim of domestic violence, where the word was used as a precursor to physical aggression. Additionally, the article narrates instances of casual misogyny in everyday interactions, such as a parent witnessing a schoolyard altercation where a young girl was insulted and an older woman being yelled at by a driver. These anecdotes underscore the normalization of harmful language towards women in Brazilian culture.

Focusing on specific incidents, the author examines the implications of a former banker referring to a woman as 'vagabunda' during an investigation, which illustrates how deeply ingrained sexist attitudes are within societal narratives, extending even into formal contexts. The article raises critical questions regarding the significance of this term, which appears in various contexts but uniformly serves to demean and belittle women.

Ultimately, the author calls for a reevaluation of language and a collective effort to eliminate the use of derogatory terms like 'vagabunda' from public discourse. By challenging the normalized use of such language, the author advocates for a more respectful and empowering narrative for women, emphasizing that the experiences of women are often far from easy, contrary to the assumptions carried by derogatory labels.