to hate the use of the word c**t as an abusive term?

[singsinthebath]

I don't have a problem with swearing - I've only used asterisks as I'm aware that some people prefer not to have the word cunt in a subject headline.

I have no problem with someone referring to their vagina/vulva as their cunt if they so wish. (I'd probably go for a euphemism - but each to their own)

But I do have a problem with someone suggesting that an abusive husband or partner is "being a cunt" (as I read in a post earlier). This is derogatory - suggesting that the female genitalia is base or sordid.

AIBU or am I overthinking this?

I agree with you.

Think you're overthinking it. I think it's a great word.....sometimes the only way to effectively describe someone's behaviour is by saying "he or she is being a cunt". The trick is to use it infrequently - then you get maximum impact.

But sorry, I digress. YABU (a little bit).

I kind of hate it but use it sometimes but only with people who have really really hurt me to my inner core.

It is a horrible word though.

I think it's very sad that the worst possible thing you can call anyone in the English language means vagina.

It betrays a deep, casual misogyny which surrounds us every day.

Rubbish. Why is it any worse than calling someone a prick? It's a great angol-saxon word to abuse someone with.

anglo-saxon, even

Well said Spidermama - you've encapsulated my thoughts.

It's not a word I'd ever use, and I agree with you op, however the mumsnet 'royalty' like to use it. They think it's cool. So I guess if 'they' see this thread you'll be shhouted down. Or called a troll. Or given a biscuit!

Yanbu

Ooh, I'd been wanting to post something like this.... YANBU!

Exactly what Spidermama said.

We've been trying to substitute Motherfucker for Cunt, for exactly that reason - why on earth is the most offensive thing you can say, a reference to a vagina?

But it just doesn't have the impact... My DH told me why, it a grammatical sound that is very satisfying. We have now substituted Twunt, which has the whatever it is sound that gives maximum cursing satisfaction..

What about twat, that is commonly used and is both highly offensive to some yet affectionate to others?

Surely this is the same as cunt, and in my opinion it is nowhere near the worst thing you can call someone.

I dont use it either. Nasty word!!

Would like a biscuit though...

In the pub scene in Hot Fuzz, no other word would've sufficed

Still, its use does often convey a certain malice.

YANBU I hate the word. I use it about twice a year and then DH knows I'm really pissed off about something.

Oooh so scared!

I love it as a swear word but I really hate it as a word fir female parts.

I hate the word full stop and DH knows if he ever says it I go mental!

Do you know what I really hate? The 'OOH, MN royalty love it! You'll get flamed.'

MN Royalty can fuck right off.

I want to know who put the fucking crowns on their heads, other than themselves?

And I agree about the word cunt, but also think it is really the only word to use at certain points in time.

Is there a MN royalty? or am I being naive?

I see your point about the misogyny implication- I rather like all the seventies stuff people wrote about reclaiming the word positively etc too, but I think it is only partially possible anyway. There is no getting away from the sheer Anglo-Saxon sound of it which makes it so gritty to use as an insult though, and it just fits sometimes where other words don't- because of the sound of it and the fact that it's so emphatic iyswim. When I lived in east Scotland it was even used as an affectionate term for a mate or even babies- like 'little bugger' might be in England perhaps. So "Aww, look at the wee cunt greetin'" would barely register with some people in some contexts.

Like any word, you need to be aware of the context in which you are using it, and follow the conventions of where you are and in what company if you do use it.

Language is a constantly moving thing, and it's just not always possible to police how and why people use it in all situations. It's certainly worth pointing out why it is offensive to some or many people. Bt at the same time, if a majority do not appear to share your feelings about a perticular word, sometimes it is only realistic to accept that the users of it are not intending the shade of meaning in it that you may be inferring.

It offends my inner soul, it is the worst word in the English language to use as a curse. Hate hearing it off my DH and teen DS, always berate them.

I am never called it, but it is used at work where we all are.

Was going to say similar bof - in some areas of Glasgow it is a term of endearment. Seriously.

'MN Royalty can fuck right off.'

Rather liked this too

I would not be happy being called it by a man, especially, as the misogynistic implications of it seem to come to the fore then. I think that outside of that situation though, its offensiveness is far less, and for sheer rudeness, 'mouthfeel' and emphatic emphasis, sometimes it is entirely appropriate. Language is a social tool though, and understanding all the nuances in a given word is going to depend on a consensus, which is rarely possible on an individual level with a word seen as contentious or controversial.