The terms ''ad mulierem'' and ''ad feminam'' have been used specifically when the person receiving the criticism is female.{{sfnm|1a1=Olivesi|1y=2010|2a1=Sommers|2y=1991}}
== Improper Usage ==
Contrary to popular belief, merely insulting someone, (unless in certain circumstances - see Poisoning the Well), is not a fallacious ''ad hominem''.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|title=Stop Misusing the Ad Hominem Fallacy|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zAd2lf_4OO4|url-status=live}}</ref> A character attack is only considered a fallacious ''ad hominem'' if it is used in exchange for a genuine argument.<ref name=":0" />
Examples:
* Pure abuse: "B" says of an opponent "A", "You are a moron". In this case, there is no argument, only abuse.
* Fallacious: ''A'' makes an argument, ''B'' responds with "You are a moron and you are also ugly, you cannot possibly be correct". ''B'' has not offered a genuine response or argument, only abuse - this is fallacious.
* Non-Fallacious: ''A'' makes an argument'', B'' responds with "(Genuine refutation of ''A's'' argument), also you are a moron". While potentially childish, ''B'' has genuinely offered a response to ''A's'' argument and has just bolted on an insult. This is not a fallacy, as an insult or character attack was not ''exchanged'' for an argument; rather one was provided ''alongside'' of an argument''.''
