Clay fans can be as raw as him

In 1990, Andrew "Dice" Clay was considered so outrageous that when he hosted "Saturday Night Live," cast member Nora Dunn thought he was a misogynist and walked off the show. She was fired.

Since then, many women have shed their thin skins, says Clay (who performs tonight and Saturday at the Palms).

"Women are very aggressive today. They're not afraid of language or hearing off-color stuff," he says.

"They're animals -- especially in Vegas," Dice says. "Walk through any casino on a weekend night. They're all competing with each other for 'Whore of the Weekend.' "

What changed in 21 years? Howard Stern and Dice lewded up language and behavior in America, followed by "South Park," "Sex and the City" and now reality shows.

When "Sex and the City" was popular, Dice saw women's sexual aggression blossom in front of his eyes at stand-up gigs.

"Women felt like: OK, if Sarah Jessica (Parker) can take down this kind of guy, so can I," he says.

"That's when I think women went nuts. When they come out with those 'Sex and the City' movies, women go in droves together. It's like a whore party. And I appreciate that. It's not a put-down."

His female fans are rawer than ever, he says.

"They come in groups, bachelor parties, dressed in zebra, cheetah and any other animal print they can wrap around their big (cleavage), and sit in the front row and try to get my attention."

And that, my friends, is how the world changed since Nora Dunn: Andrew Dice Clay is almost quaint.

PARTY PEOPLE

Paris Las Vegas' Chateau club opens Saturday with an
11 p.m. red carpet promising David Arquette, Samantha Ronson and hip-hop artist Drake (rumored to be dating Rihanna). ... Nick Cannon records a comedy special Saturday at the Palms. Will pregnant wife Mariah Carey appear? He talks with me about her and Eminem in today's Neon. ... Sugar Factory opens tonight at Paris with a 7:30 p.m. appearance by Kim Kardashian, Holly Madison, Arquette, Cannon, Mel B, Esai Morales and reality TV people. ... Vanessa Hudgens on Saturday walks a midnight carpet at Pure to celebrate her movie "Beastly." ... Snoop Dogg performs Saturday at Studio 54. Carpet is 12:30 a.m., but Snoop usually bakes into places an hour or two late. ... Mario Lopez walks an 11:30 p.m. carpet tonight at club Lavo.

Doug Elfman's column appears Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. E-mail him at delfman@reviewjournal.com. He blogs at reviewjournal.com/elfman.