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.

Its a simplistic idea, that language use in the media provides the definitive hierarchy of words.

British media to boot!

And of course you know better than anyone else.

I don't use the word because I've been brought up to see it as the 'harshest' swear word. But it's not for me or you to police others' language.

If individuals are allowed to ban everything they deem to be distasteful, for whatever reason, where would it end? It's just words made up by someone. You can either CHOOSE to take offence, or let it wash over you.

I don't use the word because I've been brought up to see it as the 'harshest' swear word

I wasnt even allowed to use bloody

And now my dad says 'oooh your mum used to accidentally swear in front of granny'

Yeah...i said bloody !!! Dont be giving my kids the impression i used the s or f or c word !!!

Ok, i see you arent interested in real debate pink. sigh

I would definitely be offended (and quite likely complain) if I heard dick, prick or knob on the radio if it was pre-watershed! I don't want my children hearing those and thinking it's ok to use them.

They think the 'c word' is "crap" not cunt

@Rufusthebewilderedreindeer oh same here!! Am 30 now and still not allowed to swear at all in front of mum and dad etc! I don't dare think what would happen if I walked in now and said the C word!!! 🤭

shirley

Oh i bandy the f word with full abandon around my dad now

I quite like the way he uses my full name in shock...

I must stop it though

My dad is a proper old school gentleman, i think it might actually be knocking years off his life

What ThereWillBeAdequateFood said. Plus I'm rather fond of an ancient expletive when needed.

There's no need to use the c word though, is there. Plenty of other words. Why a word which means part of the female anatomy is used in such a vile way I do not understand. It's worse when used by women in that way.

I hate it too. I can't even type it let alone say it. 41 this month and grew up on a rough council estate so I'm not some wannabe princess or anything
I just can't say it.

Have no problem with twat though for an insult which is probably ironic.

jessstan2

No body needs to use it. same as no body needs to use knob, dick, wanker, twat. (twat also means a woman's genitals) or any other profanities. How many should we ban? and who gets to decide what's acceptable to say and what's not?

Many offensive things can be said without going anywhere near a swear word.

Sounds quite powerful if the worst word is female-based. Just saying.

I'd hazard a guess you'd have more support if you wanted to ban the world vulva

Never before has a single word managed to sound so utterly condescending every time it appears here.

it's worse when used by women in that way.

Now that really is a stupid sexist thing to say! Why on earth would it be more offensive if I were to use it than my DH, for example?

Or is this some outmoded belief that women should be 'lady-like'?

Yesss rochford

zoflora

I like twat...or twunt

I think the word "panties" is worse than the word "cunt", and wish to ban the use of that on MN.

And I love the word "vulva", it seems so velvety, which is appropriate. Such a shame the "vulva song of glory" thread was lost to the Chat bin of time.

"Twat" is opening up a can of worms tbh, as there are some regions of England that think "twat" is the same as "twit" and even sweet, innocent people use it with abandon.

Absolutely bsc

I have had to stop saying twit in case a twat slips out

I do say twonk

Song of Vulva Glory sounds ace. What about Chronicles of the Conquering Cunts too? If girls were raised on fireside ballads such as these as in the days of yore...(check out inuit folk tales if thy disbelieve!)