Can we ban the 'c' word?

It's my favourite swear word. I use it liberally and in any situation that it would be acceptable to swear at all; drop something and say bugger? I say cunt. I do also like "I'd call you a cunt, but you lack the warmth amd depth" as an insult.

I have recently reclaimed a piece of cross stich I made my late boyfriend. It says cunt in large, twiddly, writing. It's wrapped in vines and roses. Looking at it makes me feel happier, he loved the discord between the word and how it looked there; said it reminded him entirely of me.

And I am very able to express myself using other words, I often do. I just also really rather like the word cunt.

I still call a cunt a cunt

Meaning what? There is at least one poster (can't recall if it is on this or the other thread) who said the word does not mean female genitalia. It has no meaning for them other than a swear word which is worse than bastard (hierarchy of words)

So who or what are you calling a cunt?

I don't like the thought of banning words because if you ban cunt then someone else will want fanny banned and then fanjo and so it'll go on until we are all silenced

Yes I agree I'd rather had an edit button and a quote button

No worse than bellend -one of my favourite words- in my opinion anyway

I said nothing about your vocabulary.

There is a hierarchy of words and I'm surprised some one with your extensive vocabulary does not understand that. It is evident in the way language is used in television, radio and film.

The hierarchy of words has been demonstrated on this and the parallel thread.

Cunt is often a term of endearment in my place of work.

I find Tory more offensive these days tbh........

Personally I never heard the word until my early 20s, and because I didn't know about it and it wasn't "forbidden", it doesn't hold any shock value. I quite like it actually.

Absolutely anything can be offensive in the right context though - using it as an attack or insult isn't on, and Mumsnet already bans that.

If we dont want to BE belittled, perhaps we shouldnt do it? An attempt was made to suggest the pro-cunters had small vocabularies or perhaps were stupid? Why? It doesnt make sense, and clearly those doing it dont like the boot on theother foot

In Ireland I've heard it used as a term of endearment, particularly between male friends

Same in Scotland, we have good cunts and bad cunts

Pearl clutching is useful shorthand. Im typing on my phone so we're never going to get masses of detail.

Im not sure everyone is on board with your word hierarchy there

If I choose not to use certain words, I don't try to shut down other people's freedom of speech. Especially not on a discussion forum for women who've been told far too often what we must and mustn't say

Personally I said crack on with it.

It wasn't you who used "pearl clutching" but if you're objecting to attempts to shut down what people say "pearl clutching" is a fine example of doing just that. It serves no purpose other than trying to belittle another poster.

Oh come off it "stupid dick" or "stupid knob" sound nothing like "stupid cunt".

"Stupid prick" is stronger than those 2 but nothing like cunt. None of knob, prick or dick will cause any fuss if used on radio or television.

For someone boasting about their vocabulary I'm surprised you cant come up with anything better than "pearl clutching". That is such a lazy , hackneyed phrase.

Nonsense; i have a vast vocabulary, im passionate about language and words, etymology etc. Still use that word. I think people use the 'lazy' argument to validate their own illogical pearl clutching.

Not sure who decided the 'aggression level' of a word but i rather think it depends on context and interpretation.

Let’s burn some books while we’re at it. We also have to ban trifle. I find the combination of jelly, sponge, custard and cream deeply offensive.

None of knob, prick or dick carry anything like the same level of aggression or hate that cunt does.

In that context pink perhaps not, but theyd be just as likely to call someone a prick, knob or dick

Does cunt relate to vagina or vulva though

To be clear , I'm not asking for a ban. Crack on using it if you want.

I also vote (not that this is a poll!) for no censoring of words. I love a bit of swearing and have never understood why cunt is considered the worst word and you must NEVER say it. Why is it any worse that any other swearword. So very weird to have a swearword hierarchy.

Yes I'm sure the next aggressive, drunken man (probably a man but not necessarily) calls another person a "stupid cunt" they will be thinking yes, this is a perfect, strong word to name glorious female bits! It has power! It's a viking word and it shows

I'm a feminist and i love it. I find it to be the perfect, strong word to name my glorious bits! It has power! It's a viking word and it shows. I won't be giving it up any time soon.

derxa
People who use cunt are usually a bit smug or 'I'm mad me' I try not to give them much attention

I think there's a lot of truth in that. Sort of look at me , I'm so empowered I describe my vagina as a cunt or look at me, I'm so immune to female socialisation I'm happy to use cunt as an insult