Julia Gillard's speech slamming Opposition Leader Tony Abbott for being a misogynist has gone viral, with newspapers and blogs around the world taking notice.

During a vitriolic day of parliamentary debate yesterday, Ms Gillard unleashed on Mr Abbott's character.

The ABC video of her speech has had more than 300,000 views on the ABC News website and YouTube.

Overnight 'Gillard' was one of the world's top trending words on Twitter, and her Question Time tirade has made headlines in the US, Britain, India, South Africa and Canada.

The UK's Spectator magazine said there was "much to admire" in Ms Gillard's address.

The Daily Beast noted that Ms Gillard's speech would bring a smile to the face of former British leader Margaret Thatcher, while Business Insider said she gave Mr Abbott a "stern drubbing".

US feminist blog Jezebel called the Prime Minister "badass", while news blog Salon magazine speculated on whether Ms Gillard would take requests to "take on Congress's misogynist caucus".

Other publications devoted more than a few lines to Ms Gillard.

The New Yorker covers Prime Minister Julia Gillard's speech. ( www.newyorker.com )

A piece in The New Yorker magazine said president Barack Obama could take debating tips from Ms Gillard.

However it has not all been praise.

Some commentators have criticised Ms Gillard for standing by Peter Slipper and for not supporting gay marriage.

In Britain, the Telegraph labelled Ms Gillard's speech "brilliant" and "blistering" but questioned why she stood by the former speaker.