The 'c' word

[Terfing]

As in, the 4-letter word that refers to female genitalia.

I have started a thread in 'Site Stuff' asking them to ban the use of this word on Mumsnet. Personally, i find the word hugely offensive. It is shocking that one of the worst insults in the English language involves comparing someone to female genitalia. Even worse, I've seen it many times on the feminism boards.

What are other people's thoughts on this?

I thought the ‘c’ word was ‘cis’. ‘Cis’ can fuck right off.

‘Cis’ can fuck right off.

Agreed. I find that word hugely offensive (but I still wouldn't want it banned)

And yes moist and gusset give me the shudders

Moist and Gusset sound like a Seventies drag act.

I haven’t read the thread, but I am sure somebody has already said that it’s widely regarded as a term of affection in Scotland. It isn’t

Someone did; it isn't.

Aspie I think I love you!

“Especially as in the past cunt was often softened to coney, and I’d rather have my body be compared to a rabbit than a cat.”

That’s interesting. I’ve only come across “cunny”. What’s the source for “coney”?

DP is Scottish and I quite often see "gid cunt" used on social media. Macho football forums too. That said, it's usually banned by the swear filters so the use of the perfectly acceptable 'aye, right, cunto' has arisen 😁

It completely depends on the context.
I'm from Glasgow, if "so-and-so is a good cunt" This is very much a compliment. Though if "So-and-so is a fuckin cunt!" Not a compliment.
Cunt can be a great word and I do love my own.
Please dont try to ban things which I love, that cunt Jamie Oliver has already ruined Irn Bru and I don't have a lot left in life.
Then I suppose its for my own good, perhaps he's a good cunt after all.

I'm very fond of the word. I appreciate it upsets some, so don't tend to use it out loud often, (and never as an insult). It has a fascinating etymology and a great history: www.etymonline.com/word/cunt

Please dont try to ban things which I love, that cunt Jamie Oliver has already ruined Irn Bru and I don't have a lot left in life.

Amen Bohemian! I had Irn Bru for the first time in about 15 years recently and it's shite!

I don't like it and wouldn't use it in conversation, but I certainly don't think it should be banned. I don't swear much irl and the words I use would be thought very mild by many people, but that's my choice and I respect the fact that other people feel and act differently.

I am here and reading the replies carefully. I've been at work, which is why I didn't respond immediately.

I must admit, I expected a bit more support on this issue.

I'm from Newcastle, and people use it freely here, but I shudder every time I hear it. I particularly hate hearing it around children.

Everyone knows that it's one of the worst words in the English language. The only words worse than the c-word would likely get you a visit from the police.

The idea of trying to reclaim it seem naive. It's like when liberal feminists try to reclaim prostitution.

I’m not offended by it. I just think it’s misogynist. And all this stuff about it being perfectly OK in ordinary conversation in Scotland or the North or Ireland is simply bollocks. (See what I did there?)

Why do you want it banned on MN when your issue is with it in general frequent use in the city that you live in?

Why is it worse than male genitalia for gods sake?! I think that is incredibly sexist! Reclaim the word OP

"Cis" is way more offensive in my opinion.

Consider my wrists well and truly slapped, I shall hang my head in shame and recite ten Andrea Dworkins and a couple of Germaine Greers as a penance.

I’d never use it around children and I don’t let my children (teens) use it. They know ‘bitch’ isn’t allowed either.

I save it for special occasions and retain the right as an adult to use it in the presence of other adults when I deem it necessary. Which isn’t often (usually reserved for when talking to/of XH)

I can see why you don't like it, @Terfing, and I would be totally happy to have a debate and discussion. I'd expect you to be able to put across your reasons for not using it and I could see if I agree or could be persuaded to agree.

I cannot understand why you would just want to ban it completely. That seems controlling and unnecessary.

It completely depends on the context.
I'm from Glasgow, if "so-and-so is a good cunt" This is very much a compliment. Though if "So-and-so is a fuckin cunt!" Not a compliment

I'm originally from the north-east, now live in Edinburgh having briefly lived in Glasgow. No one is trying to ban it but it is not my experience that it is commonly used in Scotland the way some posters try to suggest.

I have heard "fucking cunt" used in anger. I have never heard it used in approbation.

“Why is it worse than male genitalia for gods sake?! I think that is incredibly sexist!“

Because of the history it carries with it. Words are more than just their basic meaning.

I'm in NI and it's not uncommon to hear it here in an affectionate way. When I lived in ROI, it was really commonplace, much more so than MNet.

I don't think it should be banned OP.

It's all to do with the context, for me. Yes I know many people for whom it's interchangeable with "person" and used with affection (daft cunt, good cunt, the cunt who...) and yes I have heard it used as an insult (you are an absolute cunt) but each and every time the context has driven how the word is received.

I wouldn't ban it at all. I'd much rather think and talk about why some words are considered so awful compared to others (cunt vs dick) and address them openly. My cunt is absolutely fantastic, and I wish we could challenge the thought that it's the ultimate insult rather than encourage the position of it being the ultimate taboo.

Bertrand, if you search for ‘cunt coney’ on google books, it will bring you up a varied discussion on it. I’ve no particular link giving a summary! Sorry.

It is not a word that I would use as a rule. People have different feelings about words and we should be respectful. Banning words is v. 1984 and we all know how much we love that.