Lighty - I have never ever been called like this. He's the first one. And I don't think of should put up with this. I should think of myself first. He does not deserve me of he can think of me like this. You're right, I'm glad you can see it like that.
FWIW I just left my DP of 5 years after he called me a cunt for the 3rd time. He was utterly lovely 95% of the time, but then sometimes his nasty side showed, usually because I asked something of him, time, attention etc. The previous two times I told him not to call me that, I got properly cross about it, he apologised etc but it made no difference, he did it again, he just can't hold his nasty tongue.
It is symptomatic of a deeper lack of respect for you, even if he is lovely the rest of the time, he doesn't speak to you with respect. Just because you're angry you don't need to be spiteful to each other.
Glad to hear you have no ties or complications, leave the bastard asap - it won't get better and will most likely get worse if you stay with him. 