стерва (sterva)
What does стерва (sterva) mean? стерва (sterva) is a Russian moderate that translates to “bitch / shrew” in English.
Literal Translation
carrion / dead animal carcass
Meaning & Usage
01
"bitch / shrew"
Originally meant a rotting animal carcass — that's the image you're invoking when you call someone this. As an insult, it means a cruel, manipulative, cold-hearted woman. But here's where it gets interesting: many Russian women have reclaimed it. Being a 'стерва' in modern Russian pop culture can mean being a strong, independent, take-no-shit woman.
Examples in the Wild
As an insult: 'Она настоящая стерва' (She's a real bitch). As self-identification: 'Я стерва и горжусь этим' (I'm a bitch and proud of it).