AIBU to start a thread discussing the word Cunt?

[FeegleFion]

I know before I start, that there will be a lot of you who really disagree with using the word Cunt.

I want to start a discussion about it, as I personally, feel that using the word in a positive manner is to be encouraged.

I am from Glasgow and I use/ have always used the word as a term of affection "You're a good wee cunt you".

I wanted to start this thread because I have just come across the following on a Women's Rights forum and I really hope to change negative opinion and association:

CUNT

Considered to be the most vile, obscene and vulgar 'swear word' in the English language, the word 'Cunt' in the vernacular means vagina.
As if that is not indication enough why it is considered so vile in the vagina-hating Patriarchy, the word itself was originally a term of respect and reverence for a powerful, spiritually enlightened woman.

'Cunt' derives from 'Kunda' or 'Cunti', the Oriental Great Goddess.
She was the Great Yoni of the Universe, where all life came from and to where all life returned for renewal.

From this same word came the words country, kin and kind.

So, for your delectation, rumination and reasoned discussion, I give you, the word Cunt discuss.

I am old, and was a feminist before most mumsnetters were born. For me the use of the word as the worst of insults is just so teemed in misogyny that I can't bring myself to use it and I hate to hear it.

I know people talk about reclaiming it, but I worry that they are "reclaiming" it in the same way that the "laddettes" reclaimed getting pissed out of their brains and falling over in gutters. Proving that women can bahave as badly as some men sometimes do is not feminism!

That should be "steeped in misogyny"...,,,,,

If cunt is used in a positive manner some other derogatory term will take its place. These debates are ridiculous, people will always find a word to express their meaning, the word itself is irrelevant. Other cultures use entirely different languages to express the exact same things we do in English.

That feminist quote is also the type of drivel that turns people away from feminism.

curlew great point and I am with you, in so much as I don't ever use the word to insult anyone.

I do see why some women do in terms of removing the taboo veil surrounding it but for me, a cunt is a beautiful piece of a woman.

Annieseed- had you thought about debating the subject in a sensible way? It has the potential to be very interesting.

I read somewhere that it originally meant 'Wedge shaped tool'

I'm from Glasgow and would never use that word - its vile!

I think it's a beautiful piece of a woman too- but that particular ord for it is, in my opinion, unreclaimable. How about reviving "quim" instead? I like quim!

I hate the word Minge, it sounds so gross

I'm willing to bet that the remark I'm about to make is thick-witted and will be rightly shot down by someone who knows far more about these things than me... But - the thing I don't understand about some people's objection to the word cunt - like yours, curlew - is that there's plenty of insults that are based upon male genitalia; arguably more than female; and no one gets aggy about them and says their representative of anti-men attitudes. Why is that?

As I said, this is probably a stupid question...

I think that if you can't think of a better word to use, you probably shouldn't speak. It's got a vile history and the potential to cause a lot of offence.

annie - but this word is the word up for debate, on this thread and if it's something you find ridiculous, you are free to leave.

I'm glad you agree that it has potential, curlew.

1Veryhungrycaterpillar
"I read somewhere that it originally meant 'Wedge shaped tool'" It probably does, alongside lots of other words.

Until I joined MN I always thought of it as a really offensive swear word.

After reading the feminist boards and seeing it written down so many times, it's lost it's impact for me.

I wouldn't use it in every day language, but that's because I don't swear very much anyway.

I shouted, ''Oh balls!'' at something the other day and my colleagues were all laughing because they had never heard me swear before

dance I'd guess we're from very different areas of Glasgow. I could be wrong though.

curlew you use quim, I'll use cunt and we can both agree, it's beautiful.

Ignatius I believe there are never any stupid questions. I obviously don't object to the word, so can't answer your question. Hopefully, one of the posters who do object to it, will be kind enough to answer your question.

cosydressinggown
"I think that if you can't think of a better word to use, you probably shouldn't speak. It's got a vile history and the potential to cause a lot of offence."

Fair point, cosy and one you aren't alone in expressing.

Feegle. In Glasgow its used as a term of affection. "A wright ya cunt" is a greeting between pals.

Wouldn't use it in a job interview though.

I tend to use it when I'm really angry and thinking about it now, cos i never have before, would like to use it in a different way.

I simply do not, and never will, understand the squealing that it's a "vile" word. Vile? Really? Who thinks this and why?

Oh - and that ""discuss"" thing? That gets what's left of my nerves twitching!

Don't know if this counts but my DF uses this word in an affectionate way too but says it in welsh not English!

I think that all the consonants being plosive make it a really satisfying sweary word when you really want to vent, but it did used to make me physically cringe, and I seldom use it. I'm more annoyed that I've spelt nae wrong to be honest.

Naebother
"Feegle. In Glasgow its used as a term of affection. "A wright ya cunt" is a greeting between pals."

"Wouldn't use it in a job interview though."

"I tend to use it when I'm really angry and thinking about it now, cos i never have before, would like to use it in a different way."

Nae I was wondering if this was a term of affection only in the area of Glasgow I grew up in...phew!

Yy to clarify: this is not a greeting for anything other than the most friendly of associates

Malcom the discuss was just my sense of humour. Let your nerves settle

Urgh. Why don't MNHQ give attention-seekers a little board of their own, far - very far -away.

I feel in need of a very hot shower and scrub. :(

forgot to say - and HIDE.

Ask Chaucer! He used it a lot.

Quim, quinny, quaint, quent, cunt!

It's a great Middle English word. See germaine Greer for her attempted reclamation of the word in the 70s.

It all matters Pouncer

Nay Great point! also it's easy to name-change, go change your nay to nae

LyingWitchInTheWardrobe Mon 17-Jun-13 20:22:26
Urgh. Why don't MNHQ give attention-seekers a little board of their own, far - very far -away.

I feel in need of a very hot shower and scrub.

LyingWitchInTheWardrobe Mon 17-Jun-13 20:22:46
forgot to say - and HIDE.

Relax and go to that attention-seeking little board then Lying. Nobody forced you here.

HTH