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.

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

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

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.

Okay, fair enough: I can see that I don't have as much support as I imagined. I should have asked for debate rather than outright censorship.

I personally won't ever be using the word as I still find it offensive. There are several other words that I also find offensive and won't be using either.

As someone else said though: if you can't express yourself without using the c-word, you need to improve your vocabulary. I agree with this.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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.

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

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

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?

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.

KlutzyDraconequus That's made me laugh so much! My in laws are lrish, and never in a million years could l imagine my MIL saying that!

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

Thing is this is were people's interpretation of the word comes in, how they have taught or experienced the word in the past.

For me stupid cunt really is no more aggressive the stupid knob, wanker, dickhead or bastard.

It's more in tone and delivery of a word that shows the aggression meant behind it.

If I did something daft and someone said you stupid cunt it wouldn't bother me anymore than them calling me a silly Billy.

But if someone directed anger at me calling me useless, cunt, bitch, wanker, dick, tosser, woman, bastard, cow, twat, knob, low life, idiot, imbecile. Then I would be offended upset and angry and possible embarrassed and intimated.

Same with if someone was trying to cheer me up and said "oh come on ya daft twat/cunt/sod/sausage let's get the kettle on"

So far as hierarchy of words here is what Ofcom has to say about knob, prick, dick and cunt. Knob, dick and prick are problematic pre- watershed but with the qualifier that they are less problematic when used in a humorous context. No qualifier was used for cunt which was described as Strongest language, problematic for some even post-watershed. Vulgar, derogatory and shocking for both men and women. Especially distasteful and offensive to women and older participants.

I suppose Ofcom is just a bunch of pearl- clutchers too.

www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/read-what-ofcom-thinks-47-8987533

As someone else said though: if you can't express yourself without using the c-word, you need to improve your vocabulary. I agree with this

Actually people who swear tend to have larger vocabularies than those that don’t swear.

I struggling with the idea of a feminist telling other women what words they can and can’t use.

could someone link to the other thread please? I looked briefly yesterday but couldn't see it.

I agree it’s horrible! I judge anyone who uses it. I get so (maybe irrationally) offended when I read it. Everyone I know would never dare say it in real life.

However if it gets banned people will find a way around it or just find something equally horrendous.

edit button would be good!
*intimidated not intimated