Can we ban the 'c' word?

[Terfing]

By 'c word', I mean the word 4-letter word that is another word for female genitalia.

As this is a female-dominated forum, I find it highly inappropriate that this word is allowed to be used so liberally. Personally, I think that it is one of the most disgusting words in the English language. As a feminist, i find it highly offensive, and i would like to see it banned from these forums. From what I have seen, it is usually used to insult people (See the current Jordan Peterson thread, for example). However, I find this an insult in itself. Why is being compared to female body parts considered a gross insult? It shouldn't be at all. Mumsnet, as one of the UKs female-focused websites, should take a stand on this word, i think.

I think that swearing in general is okay, but a small number of words are unacceptable because of their literal meaning.

But, but, the etymology for this word goes back, like, 600 years! Chaucer used an early version of it (queynte) in the Miller's Tale, without rancour or disdain.

I don't ever personally use it, and I think it's dreadful that it's used as the 'worst thing you can call somebody', but surely the answer is to reclaim it, á la Eve Ensler, not to perpetuate its weaponisation.

Banning it on here would only serve to accept - albeit indirectly- the misogynist principle that a woman's sexual parts are the worst thing in the world.

No banning of words. That's not a route I want to go further down. Don't use it if you don't like it.

I would definitely support a ban on Christmas, not to be used until December.

I don’t get why a feminist thinks they can police women’s speech.

I smell bullshit.

ChardonnaysPrettySister . I agree!

There are lots of words I'd like to ban - 'hubby' being one - but I don't think anyone has the right to censor words.

It's a word. You have every right to be offended by it, but no right to expect MNHQ to forbid anyone from using it.

Referring to another mother as ‘Mummy’ or ‘mummies’. That can go.

Can we ban asterisks typed in words - like ‘c**t’

It’s the most stupid thing ever because it’s just cunt. Every adult reading c**t reads cunt.
The idea that by not striking the u and the n keys you somehow protect your finger from profanity is ludicrous

Or writing ‘cnut’ instead.

Shit or get off the pot.

CF - cheekyfucker. I always read it as CuntyFuck.

I really must get up now.

I agree with literally everyone on this and the other post, apart from the OP. I dont much like the word, or the way some men use it to describe women, but plenty do. For example, I know some young lesbians who use it to greet each other and say "allright, cunt" to their mates. They say they are reclaiming the word for women and, whilst I am too old to ever be able to use it so casually, I quite like that idea.

Also - No banning/censorship of women or the names for their genitalia.

(Unless we are going to also ban prick, hubby, little man, stay at home mummy, nom nom and little princess, I'd throw it under the bus for that)

When I was growing up I knocked about with a lad from Ireland. His family moved over here in the early 80s

I've never heard anyone use the word cunt quite so liberally as his 70year old grandmother. Being greeted with,
"Hey get over here ya little cunt ya"
And being hugged like a bit constrictor and the force fed stew. She used it like a term of affection.

Forever more the word Cunt to my ears will have an Irish accent.

I used to hate it but now I love it CUNT ! There's something empowering about it.

@KlutzyDraconequus it's a term of endearment/affection where I'm from as is fanny/tit/twat usually preceded by the word daft when someone has been a bit of a daft cunt.

I'd never heard it be used as an offensive insult until I joined Mumsnet

No...let’s not. I think it’s ok. I also like ‘fanny’ as a milder more affectionate insult. I don’t care that it refers to female genitalia. I also use dick, prick, bellend and nob as insults so it’s fair.

"However, I find this an insult in itself. Why is being compared to female body parts considered a gross insult? It shouldn't be at all. Mumsnet, as one of the UKs female-focused websites, should take a stand on this word, i think"

You are right OP, and it already does. It shouldn't be any different an insult than any other body-part expletive, and so to normalise it, MNers use it just as often as they wouid any other.

I support that stand.

Vagina - the etymology of which is ‘sword sheath’ is much, much more offensive to me as a feminist

I agree.

I'd rather have a quote button than a swear filter if we're putting in requests. Or an edit button.

You can't police people's language on a largely unmoderated forum. It just wouldnt work.

Gamer I am with you there. An edit button or a quote button would be so much better than censorship.

I don’t get why a feminist thinks they can police women’s speech. I smell bullshit.

I think there was much more of this sort of stuff on FWR a few years ago. There have always been some feminists with quite illiberal views about how equality should be achieved.

Every time there is a post about (for example) pharmacists with religious objections to the morning after pill you get loads of people dying to remove an individual rights because they've got the wrong views.

It's hard to defend the right to say things we don't like.

Yes, I am here and going through the replies. I must say, I have been surprised by the negative response! I thought I'd have more support!

The c-word is different from the names of other body parts because it is used to refer to the worst kinds of people. You often see it on the relationships board, for example, when people are discussing someone who has ruined their life. I don't think that their is a word for 'penis' that has the same severity.

There are other words that are off-limit here, such as racial-slurs. I am glad that these are (presumably) banned as they would upset me also. Personally, I find sexism just as bad as racism, which is why I want to see the c-word banned too.

Nevertheless, I am finding the discussion (and anecdotes) interesting!

oh a cunty thread aye?

Not seen one of these for awhile. I will reframe from filling the whole of active threads with cunt titles this time. I've grown up a bit

I'm also a feminist and I see it as just another swear word. I could go on on about the history of it and links to goddesses ect and give numerous links, as have also done on these threads.

But I can't be arsed.

I use it, but not as the ultimate insult. After all to use it as an insult doesn't make sense, an absolute arsehole (sex neutral ) of a person can't be a cunt, as they clearly lack the warmth and depth.

Bitch does really make me flinch though. Not that I'd ban it.

I agree about bitch, I don't like it either but again wouldn't band it.

Has anyone still got some cunting bunting lying around? haven't seen any posted in ages.

(and note that I didn't asterisk it out as I agree that is truly stupid!)