Calling someone a 'bitch' in Massachusetts could lead to a six-month jail term and a hefty fine, under legislation proposed by a Democrat lawmaker in the state this week.

The bill, H3719, was put forward by state representative Dan Hunt and states that the word should be considered a disorderly conduction violation when it is used in an attempt to "annoy, degrade or demean the other person".

The offence, which comes under the section criminalising "night walkers" and "indecent exposure", is punishable by a fine of up to $150 (£116). Repeat offenders can be punished with up to six months in prison and/or a fine of $200.

The proposal has prompted ridicule among the state's Republican Party, which mockingly congratulated Democrats for "fearlessly taking on the biggest problems" facing the country.