Dropping the C-bomb is no longer a cunning stunt

Alan says:

10:15am | 01/02/11

I think you would be amused if not surprised to know that the word c##t was the whip holder on a carriage. Cab drivers and carriage drivers would use the word c##t to say to each other what their fares would be doing to each other. C##t has been the name of the holder for the whip since recorded writings started….

Eric says:

01:00pm | 01/02/11

“Í also reckon it will be the gals who would object to more commonn use of the word”

Your prediction is borne out by half a dozen comments from paranoid feminists who think the word is a male conspiracy to demean women. Good work, Chongy!

Reg says:

10:07pm | 02/02/11

I don’t like to be too analytical about this, but when I see how many who presume to speak of this word, then choose to avoid reality, it’s time to speak up.

No doubt many are aware of the lack of hygiene in past centuries and how acceptance of this problem was essential if a guy was to get his end in. It is also a fact that after conjunction, the perception from a male perspective was, to say the least, unpleasant. Now just as in Wales such names as Llewellyn the Steam are associated with a person whose major involvement is driving a steam engine, a lady whose major characteristic suggested a particularly unattractive fragrance would naturally attract the title Doris the C**t. It is then not a great leap to have some odious male designated in a similarly derogatory manner.

As a late comer to swearing I take great delight in its impact but reserve cunt for the very few who need such a special word and they are, with few exceptions, male.  Sorry about that girls but you brought it on yourselves.

MiaoMiao says:

09:28pm | 03/02/11

Pri@k is acceptable.  Why not Cu@t?  It is still the oppressive double standard that has not been shattered.  Clearly the words have their place - however it is women who are creating a rod for their own backs.  Do we accept other vulgar terminology pertaining to the male genitalia?  Then accept vulgar terminology relating to the female body.  The unfairness is created by women, I have never seen a man gasp in horror when the C bomb is dropped, just women.  Lighten up.  There are greater things in life to be offended about, have you seen your mortgage rates lately?  That is a C*n#ish, Prickful act.

Patrick says:

09:57am | 01/02/11

Most hilarious person I ever met was some 40+ year old aussie bogan walkin his dog along the bicycle track past the train tracks here in Hobart.

Every second word was either f&*k or c^#t, “John Howard f&*kin f^%kin GST f$%kin c$#t f$%kin Peter Costello f&*kin f&*^kin”

I was about 13, so that was just absolutely hilarious to me, my cousin and I were walking along with him for about 20 minutes just trying to stop laughing out loud in his face, but it was a battle.

Markus says:

03:29pm | 01/02/11

Patrick your story reminded me of a similar experience.

While on my way home from a night out on the town, I got to experience two bogans loudly having a domestic.
While the whole thing in general was very amusing, one line uttered by the female “I f**kin’ loved ya, ya c***!” still makes me laugh every time I think about it.

Kebabpete says:

06:46am | 01/02/11

Surely you must agree that the male genitalia also has no redeeming features, either aroused or not, but you hear plenty people being called a cock during the course of the day and dont even batter an eyelid.

Tim says:

07:59am | 01/02/11

Methinks you’ve got the wrong C word there Mike.

Mick says:

03:37pm | 01/02/11

My sister convinced my that is should be OK to use the female c word (the one that will be censored, i.e. cunt) if it’s fine to use the male c word (won’t be censored, i.e. cock).  They’re similar sounding words, they start with the same letter, are the same length, both in number of letters and number of sylables, they both ontain one vowel and three consanents and have a sharp ending ‘nt’ versus ‘ck’. To allow the use of the one that describes the male genitalia and disallow the one that refers to the female genitalia suggests that there is something dirty, disgusting or otherwise unspeakable about the vagina.

Mick says:

03:37pm | 01/02/11

My sister convinced my that is should be OK to use the female c word (the one that will be censored, i.e. cunt) if it’s fine to use the male c word (won’t be censored, i.e. cock).  They’re similar sounding words, they start with the same letter, are the same length, both in number of letters and number of sylables, they both ontain one vowel and three consanents and have a sharp ending ‘nt’ versus ‘ck’. To allow the use of the one that describes the male genitalia and disallow the one that refers to the female genitalia suggests that there is something dirty, disgusting or otherwise unspeakable about the vagina.

Daryl says:

08:10pm | 01/02/11

Actually from some angles they look like orchids. We males try hard enough to get to see them so they can’t be too ugly.

Mark says:

06:57am | 02/02/11

An orchid, more lie a NZ green muscle.

Daryl says:

05:38pm | 03/02/11

Mark, you must have known some classy Shielas?

Richard says:

09:46pm | 01/02/11

D & C.  Yeah, that’s what I thought too Bill.  Classic Tracey.  I hereby dub you an honorary bloke.  Seriously, words are only offensive when offense is intended.

Steve M says:

11:30am | 01/02/11

She is a nice girl.  It’s Derek & CLive who need the spanking.

Prince says:

09:05pm | 01/02/11

@ Steve M - nah -  would definitely prefer to spank Tracy over Derek & Clive…..

Eric says:

07:56am | 01/02/11

People swearing makes you want to commit an act of torture. What the hell is wrong with you?

DG says:

08:12am | 01/02/11

I have to agree with Eric there.

Not only do you have a horrific stereotype (that if you mother doesn’t like a certain word, then all women should be protected from it) and double standard (men are permitted to hear such words but not women), but you have a disproprotionally aggressive response to a child using an expletive (rather than the fact that the child was threatening violence).

We are blinded from the real issue in that picture (the threat) because of the obsession with a couple of syllables.

Seano says:

09:42am | 01/02/11

@Eric

“People swearing makes you want to commit an act of torture. What the hell is wrong with you?”

Coming from you Eric, that’s funny.

1. The water board comment was a joke. FFS get a grip.
2. A big problem that we have in schools are parents not doing their job. I’d suggest that a child screaming at another “I’m going to kill you, you c@#t” is evidence of parents not doing their job.
3. Personally I think parents should lift their game, ok water boarding (joke) may not be the solution but people shouldn’t have kids and not do their job either.

DG
1. Horrible Stereotype? Give me a break.  If you’d actually read any of my previous comments (and as the father of two girls) you’d know I’m the last person who wants to see women treated any differently to men and the first to support equal opportunity (ironically unlike Eric who seems to see a feminist conspiracy in everything). It’s simply a matter of the way I (and I’d guess many of my vintage) were raised and there’s no real getting away from that, particularly when it comes to manners.
2. “disproprotionally aggressive response to a child using an expletive” FFS…do you honestly think a sensible would advocate torture? Get grip or a sense of humour.
3. “rather than the fact that the child was threatening violence” I absolutely get that the threat of violence is worse than the use of the expletive. However even the best behaved kids can lash out when pushed, my point is that the language is the real evidence of parents not doing their job. And I wish there was more done about that.

NEFFA says:

11:12am | 01/02/11

eric, DG . seriously, take a breath.

its quite clear that seano was being facetious, and i agree. parents who dont teach their children not to swear should be water boarded.

and D.G. i am tired of women like you telling men to how to behave. i personally appreciate it when men watch their language around me, i dont like being sworn at or around, i am worth more than that.

Eric says:

12:52pm | 01/02/11

The Eric at 7:56 am is not your regular Eric, though he does make a good point. If swear words are offensive, then why aren’t threats offensive too - even if made in jest?

There are so many Erics on The Punch now, that I think I shall have to modify my handle.

Seano says:

01:13pm | 01/02/11

NEFFA -  I hope you’re joking!!!!

lol.

Seano says:

01:37pm | 01/02/11

@Eric (I’m assuming the misogynist one this time) - easy mistake to make.

“If swear words are offensive, then why aren’t threats offensive too - even if made in jest?”

Oh ffs. Seriously? Catergorising my comment as a genuine threat to make a point is beyond dumb. For it to be considered a threat and therefore offensive it would at least have to be a) realistic and b) actually directed at someone rather than the vague group delimited by bad parents.

Bad parents amongst other things drop the C bomb around their children and/or fail to correct them when they pick it up. Such parents IMO should be sanctioned. Ok water boarding might not approrpriate, but how about a three hour session explaining the nature of comedy to you clowns? Should be torture enough.

Lozza says:

02:16pm | 01/02/11

Um, Im a parent, I don’t swear. My children dont swear around me, My third child however, when he thinks he’s out of earshot, swears like a sailor! I dont think it has anything to do with my parenting. He learnt some of these words from tradies doing work around our house, are you implying their mothers, or yours, didnt do their job?
Try thinking before you post dribble.
PS Im not at all offended by swearing, the potency of language is very situational, I just know lots of other words I prefer to use XD

Eric says:

02:39pm | 01/02/11

Seano - did you miss the part that said “even if made in jest”?

Just as I’m sure that people who say c%$t don’t actually mean the target of their gibe is a female genital ...

Seano says:

08:48pm | 01/02/11

@Eric - did you miss the part where I was answering your question?

@Lozza - did you miss the part where I said “Bad parents amongst other things drop the C bomb around their children and/or fail to correct them when they pick it up”. I’m glad to hear you’re not dropping the C bomb around them, I can only assume you are also correcting them when they do use it. So not the sort of parent I was describing.

I’m also not particularly offended by the word so much as who uses it and it what context which you would have realised if you’d read my post.

“Try thinking before you post dribble. “

Might I suggest you try comprehending what a person is saying before posting snarky comments?

DG says:

09:06am | 02/02/11

Seano:

“last person who wants to see women treated any differently to men and the first to support equal opportunity”

and

“should only be said when you’re on the piss with your mates and there are no women (sorry if I can’t say it in front of my mum I can’t say it infront of any woman)”

Please explain to me how these statements are not mutually exclusive. Either the language is not appropriate in front of men or women, or you have a double standard. Your choice.

You were bought up to treat men and women differently - so was I, and I do. It’s a horrible double standard. I am willing to admit the hypocrisy inherent in those double standards, even if it is done with the best of intentions. it could be anything from offering a seat on the train, opening a door o curbing your language. The point is that men are taught to behave differently in front of women than in front of men.

To resolve this issue I have decided to behave as if my mother is present at all times. If I couldn’t say it in front of my mother (allowing for her personal sensibilities) I shouldn’t say it in front of anyone.

“However even the best behaved kids can lash out when pushed, my point is that the language is the real evidence of parents not doing their job”

No - the best behaved kids don’t lash out when provoked. They will defend themselves from physical harm, but they will not resort to violence when provoked. That’s self control. It is the parents that tell little Johnny that it’s not OK to swear but it’s OK to snap when pushed that are doing a disservice.

It’s far more important, in my opinion, that children refrain from threats of physical force, or even the believe that responding to provocation is acceptable. Venting frustration or anger in expletives is far, far better than responding to provocation with force.

Perhaps it would be better if parents taught children to vent with words rather than their fists when provoked. Lest we have not, as a society, moved past the idea that might is right.

NEFFA: I am not a woman. I’m simply pointing out the double standard. It’s not that you think the behaviour is offensive (otherwise you would seek a global prohibition) you only want it to happen away from you.

The result is a gender based double standard (which is socially acceptable, but remains a double standard) OR a demand that the public bend to ensure that you neither see nor hear anything that you may find offensive. The latter is a dangerous argument - that opens up the prohibition of anything that any one finds offensive.

Seano says:

10:29am | 02/02/11

@DG - “Please explain to me how these statements are not mutually exclusive.”

I did: “It’s simply a matter of the way I (and I’d guess many of my vintage) were raised and there’s no real getting away from that, particularly when it comes to manners”.

That doesn’t mean I think women need to be protected it’s just a matter of the conditioning I received as a child from my mother, who happens to be a woman btw.

“No - the best behaved kids don’t lash out when provoked. They will defend themselves from physical harm, but they will not resort to violence when provoked. “

Bullshit. Go and hang out in a playground. Especially when kids are being bullied incessantly. I cant tell you the number of times a kid has run to be complaining about some other poor kid who’s finally lashed out after being the constant target.

“Perhaps it would be better if parents taught children to vent with words rather than their fists when provoked. Lest we have not, as a society, moved past the idea that might is right. “

Of they should, but a sign of a parent do doing their job is a kid venting with the words “you’re going to die c@#t”. Which is all I’m saying, I’m not defending kids who use thier fists (except in self defence), I’m having a go a parents who drop the c bomb in front of their kids and/or fail to correct them when they pick it up.

Ando says:

11:27am | 02/02/11

Seano,
Bail man! When people like DG argue on line you cant win. You make a fairly simple point .
DG If in the course of time it becomes acceptable to use the word in any company i.e a business meeting ,  in front of a priest or in a group of women then I’ll be happy to. Until then I’ll pick and choose who I use it in front of. At present Im comfortable assuming a group of women dont want me using it.
As for the Waterboarding comment I am speechless at the offence taken by some. I’m quite sure these types are not so argumentitive and easily offended in real life, they just couldnt function if they were

DG says:

11:54am | 02/02/11

Ando:
“I’m quite sure these types are not so argumentitive and easily offended in real life, they just couldnt function if they were “

Yes. I am like this in real life. It’s called Asperger’s. And yes, it is difficult to function.

For people who are capable of arbitrary rules based on feelings, it is impossible to understand how frustrating it is needing to analyse every little situation.

You talk about an arbitrary person rule of what you are happy with - as someone who needs to have accurate, detailed rules to function in every day society these glaring inconsistencies are rife. I have to do my best to understand the “rules”, because I can’t read the signs. When I read a statement that is not internally consistent I can’t help but feel frustrated.

I have to acknowledge that inconsistency. I believe in equal rights, but at the same time I believe in chivalry. There is an inherent disconnect. I have to suspend one to adopt the other. I need to have clear rules on when this is the case, because I can’t look at someone face and tell if I am causing offence.

I can’t tell if I have done the right thing or the wrong thing unless someone tells me in plain language.

I try to participate in places like this where I can actually communicate - where we are on a more level playing field. I don’t have to play the game of reading faces (it’s exhausting. While it comes naturally to most people I have to rey and think “Does that lip curl mean anger or frustration, maybe it’s a slight smile or maybe it’s nothing”...

As a teenager it was near impossible - by the time I was studying at uni I could read body language well enough to hide my condition most of the time (however quite a few people were adept enough to notice the obsession with absolutes and accuracy). Now as an adult I just can’t keep it up - it’s exhausting, people try to hide their emotions far more and it’s impossible to keep up.

If a person puts an opinion out there, they presumably are willing to be challenged on it else they would keep it to themselves. I know (academically) that this is not always the case, but it seems the most plausible.

I should point out that despite being tormented for being different, I did not ever respond to provocation with violence. It’s simple self control. I’m told its because of my condition that I am capable of blocking out that ‘feeling’, but I don’t understand why other people can’t. It just strikes me as a lazy cop out.

If I can learn to read body language - they can learn how to keep their fists by their sides.

This does nothing to detract from the internal inconsistency of the statements. And you also acknowledge it - you admit that it’s OK to use the language in front of some people but not others - what is the rule that determines that it is OK - and how does that not constitute a double standard?

I understand the priest reference, as that is similar to the boss relationship - one of seniority. But I don’t see how this works with females who are equal, unless we set aside that equality in relation to language.

Ando says:

12:37pm | 02/02/11

That must be tough DG. I understand that there are men and women who are offended by the word but its safe to say more women might be uncomfortable,so I play it safe. I dont see it as double standards.  To tell u the truth I only use it amonsgt males who I know arent offended(and I dont see that as double standards), If I sensed the same with a group of women I would do the same, it just hasnt happened yet. Ps Not that I use the word that much.

Seano says:

04:08pm | 02/02/11

Ando - thanks for the support. I’m guessing much of the offence was either manufactured or out right silly.

DG - I hope you understand my position now and I wish you best of luck with your condition.

marissa says:

02:56pm | 03/06/11

Seano - loved your comment. I’m only in my early 20’s and i hear the swearing A LOT considering my job and sports however i am a firm believer that no ONE (man or woman) should ever speak to me in a way that they would be imbarresed to say to their mother.

simple respect really. look i don’t mind it all so much but when my ex would make a statement about someone being a slut or a dumb c#nt then yeah, i get annoyed and tell him to pull his head in… even now.

patsy says:

10:51am | 01/02/11

Jade, I swear a lot too,and when a bloke appologises for swearing in front of me I just say “Don’t effin’ worry about it.” But, I would never swear around my mum, nan or grandkids for example. If some one called me a c*** to my face THAT would really offend me.  I have a friend who hates the C word and asked me to substitute the word “kitten” instead. This works quite well unless the person I’m talking about really IS a c***!

NEFFA says:

11:06am | 01/02/11

i find the words potty and panties a lot more offensive than the c word

Benrama says:

12:46pm | 01/02/11

NEFFA, absolutely! For some reason i’ve always found the word “p#nties” the toughest to get out.

Robyn says:

08:40pm | 01/02/11

Yes, because tradies and country folk are routinely more uncouth than their sophisticated city brothers and sisters.  Nice one, Lozza and Jade.

rufus says:

10:16am | 01/02/11

And those who do, but pretend they don’t.

RT says:

09:04am | 01/02/11

It’s actually only one syllable…

Likes Joining Dots says:

12:02pm | 01/02/11

@RT

You are obviously saying it wrong.

Correct pronunciation is that one must always use F* in front of C* (think of the rhyme from prep) and you now have three syllables and the necessary component which complements and enhances any sentence.

Don’t they teach grammar anymore? *sigh*

Brad Coward says:

12:38pm | 01/02/11

I have heard C*** used as a two syllabled word.  Drunk calling out to another drunk, ” That’s right.  Walk away.  You C*-** “.  It has extra effect.

Vince says:

01:59pm | 01/02/11

“Simply put - I am yet to hear a good reason for preventing a person from uttering a few syllables - short of the usual “right not to be offended” brigade. There is not, nor should there be, a general right not to be offended. “

If I used that word around my 80 year old Grandmother she’d be offended.  Does that make her part of the PC Brigade?  Can I say it to my clients?  To a cop?  How about my Priest?  Are they all part of the PC conspiracy?  How about I say it to my neighbour’s family as they’re loading into their car in the morning?  That’d go down well.  Or to the bus driver?  Maybe the checkout girl at Woolies or the little girl standing in line next to me?  How absurd.

Like it or not, DG, what you say CAN be offensive to people even if you don’t intend it to be and that does not mean they are all part of the PC Brigade.  It’s just common sense.  As a grown adult you have a responsibility to know when and when not to use offensive language and avoid offending people with potty talk.

Likes Joining Dots says:

02:12pm | 01/02/11

That’s one good reason DG.

I’ll go with Vince on this one.

DG says:

08:49am | 02/02/11

Vince - You’re point is exactly the one that I referred to. The only argument is the sense of entitlement that some people claim to have to be free from anything that they may find offensive.

From where do you derive this right? Aside from some sense of entitlement. Is it enough that any behaviour that another person finds offensive should be prohibited. Because I know people who find homosexuality offensive. I’m sure you aren’t going to lobby for the prohibition of homosexuality on the basis that some find it offensive - or is that different?

People find religion offensive, should that also be banned. Actually, since some people find blasphemy offensive, and other find religion offensive - both should be banned.

I hope you see the point that banning things because someone somewhere finds them offensive is a dangerous approach to prohibition.

Simply put, being offensive should not be prohibited.

Despite the above I tend not to swear, but equally I do not have some narcissistic personality that enables me to demand that my right to avoid being offended is far more important than someone else’s right to utter a few choice syllables.

Mike T says:

08:19am | 01/02/11

No It’s not, Mike Litoris used to live just down the road from me and i can asure you he is real

Your name:Buckyboy says:

06:53pm | 01/02/11

Is that the same Mike Litoris who suffers from permanent headaches.

Just asking says:

08:56am | 01/02/11

And what would that be Mike T?

Mike T says:

10:28am | 01/02/11

Say cant, with an irish accent….. you will then get the gag

cheers

Hixy says:

05:56am | 02/02/11

Bit like the Irish kid in school responding to the teachers request for a sentence using the word “contagious”.  Sean says “Me and me dad was sitting out the front the other day watching our neighbour paint his front fence with a 1 inch brush.  Me dad says “Its going to take that cont-ages (contagious) to finish that job”.  The teacher fainted.

Ben21 says:

11:34am | 01/02/11

I’m 21, and this is exactly right. It’s beginning to be like the F-word in that in can be used in so many contexts’. Amongst Gen Y it’s one of the more common place words in their vocab. As shocking as that may be!

Miss Bee says:

02:33pm | 01/02/11

I hate how people use it to describe others. The term Sick C**t makes me picture someone with a nasty veneral disease. Let me just say if anyone really was a “Sick C**t” you can rest assuresd that no one would want to touch them with a 10 foot pole unless you were the administering doctor and you had scrubbed up and disinfected until the cows came home.

I don’t like the word, I won’t say and people the likes of D.G can BS ‘till their blue in the face but they won’t ever change my mind and stance on this subject.

CABAL says:

11:53am | 02/02/11

I also agree, as a 20 year old there are very few of my friends (male or female) who don’t use the word on a day to day basis. I would also like to point out that the worst offenders for using the word among young people are usually women.

Chris L says:

07:49pm | 01/02/11

Nothing to do with tearing down that feminine power. It’s mostly women who go into apoplexy when they hear the word. I have a lady friend who happily describes people as dickheads or cocksuckers, yet when I described Ricky Gervais as a funny c**t she acted like I’d just stuck my wang in her soup!

Muzz says:

10:13am | 01/02/11

I have to agree. It needs to be used sparingly, otherwise it’ll lose its delicious nastiness.

Louise says:

08:15am | 02/02/11

I totally agree…..I dont agree with it being used in normal day to day conversation. It needs to be saved for those moments when no other word will do…..
Like when my husband walked out on me for another chick when i was 4 months pregnant there was no other word that was appropriate to describe him than he is a “FU#KING CU#T!”.... I found a sense of relief and satisfaction.
Its a great word.. there is no mistaking its mallice and venom when used appropriately.. and yes i agree Muzz soooo deliciously nasty..

Kate says:

09:11am | 02/02/11

Louise, that is definitely an appropriate use of the word. I call people dickheads and f***wits several times a day, but my abusive ex is the only person who’s ever earned the title ‘f***ing c***’.

Cazza says:

11:55pm | 02/02/11

I’m with ya Louise !!! Sometimes dirty, rotten, fithy scoundrel just doesn’t cut it

Reg says:

10:55pm | 02/02/11

I realise at this late stage that when that lady called me a “silly sausage” on this very site, rather than a term of endearment, she was actually using the male equivalent of “silly cunt.”  Just as well I’m so trusting. Now if she’d known how offensive it really is to the feminine gender in particular, she’d probably have chosen something different. (See well above.)

Sir Ronald Bradnam says:

09:46am | 01/02/11

you take it to personally Mike Hunt

bored says:

12:41pm | 01/02/11

i had my mouth washed out with soap when i was little for saying damn!

Jacqui says:

03:12pm | 01/02/11

Agreed.  Tracey your article will play a part in the move towards the acceptance of that word as part of normal communication. 

It’s a private part of your body that is going to become a normal insult swear word.  Great journalism too quoting twitter & all.

Alberto says:

09:37pm | 01/02/11

Not just Twitter, Jacqui. She has also obviously plugged the C word into Wikipedia and based half her article on the Wikipedia entry.

Lou says:

12:21pm | 02/02/11

What word? C**t?
Oh please people, it’s just a word. No different to dick or f*ck… we need to stop being so precious about it.

bleeemo says:

11:42am | 01/02/11

wow… you parent through the internet. sooo wrong. I reckon that’s gonna damage yer kid more than him saying shit will.

Nicholas says:

12:47pm | 01/02/11

as a parent you have to try to understand what your kids are doing, if that means playing WoW or counterstrike then so be it. And kids these days are so stuck on thier internet that its the best way to get thier attention. I would rather talk to them and know what they are doing on the internet but that is not the topic of this conversation. Focus on the subject please

Steve says:

02:59pm | 01/02/11

As a parent, I think you should be more concerned about your inability to differentiate between “loose” and “lose”.

Maree says:

04:25pm | 01/02/11

I agree with Nicholas here. My son was in a lot of trouble a few years ago. He was living interstate with his father at the time. WoW was a way for me to a) contact him immediately and b) establish a common ground so that we could start talking about other issues.
He lives with me now; he is over the crap he was going through and we’re close. I am glad I had a means of communication with him, even if it was a game.
And back on topic, he does use the C word a lot. It doesn’t make him a bad person. He is 21; just recently voluntarily went to Queensland to help out with the flood clean-up. I think his generation deserves more respect than it gets…

Nicholas says:

04:56pm | 01/02/11

wow steve aren’t you a clever c**t. Lucky you picked up an obvious typo. thanks for adding to the conversation .

bleeemo says:

11:07am | 02/02/11

Nick, fella… it’s a forum. If yer not happy reading what other people have to say about the judgements you pass then don’t read.
And mate, I dig computer games too… Still doesn’t justify using them as the primary means of communication with yer family. Just sayin, you get caught up on a word that other people don’t care about, I get caught up on bad parenting.

Sarah says:

02:12pm | 03/02/11

Nick is not a bad parent in the least .. he is a step-parent who is very engaged with his stepchild .. when they engage on the internet .. they do it together .. as a game .. it is supervised and monitored .. how many parents of 14 yr olds can say they do this with their teens? Having an issue with the use of a foul degrading word is a different matter altogether .. never mind typo’s .. come on .. we are better than this .. we are capable of constructing poignant phrases without the use of profanity are we not?

bleeemo says:

11:34am | 01/02/11

Times change oldsue. You either get with it or write letters complaining that things aren’t the same anymore.

No-one reads them by the way. We just throw them in the bin.

notSue says:

01:29pm | 01/02/11

Insult is still insult, if that’s what’s intended. Times don’t change that much…and I ain’t old, ta very much.

Bleeemo says:

11:56am | 02/02/11

oldsue - notsue - oldschool - ahem.

Exact! Insult is insult. If your were’nt offended would it be insulting?

notSue says:

10:42am | 01/02/11

You don’t get it. The C word is used to tell women that there biological parts are their only use. That’s ALL they are.  The word “dick” has the connotation of , excuse the expression, tumescence, ie swelling. A person afflicted with delusions of grandeur. That’s a massive difference in usage..and impact.
I will always see the word as offensive, if used that way. It’s meant to be.

Eric says:

05:03pm | 01/02/11

notSue, I think you might have a case of penis envy going on.

notSue says:

09:33pm | 05/02/11

Oh dear Eric. You do make me laugh! Firstly ,Freud? Oh dear god, where have you beenman, hiding under a rock? ROFL.!! Your venom means absolutely nothing to me. I’d love to meet the woman who cleaned your clock to congratulate her on her good judgement! ROFLMAO!

Gough Whitlam says:

10:28am | 01/02/11

I remember.

ad says:

02:02pm | 01/02/11

Young libs, young labs, young ... what did they call yound Country Party members?

bleeemo says:

11:29am | 01/02/11

Sometimes people are offensive, sometimes they do things to annoy you or make you angry or sad, whatever. I for one am glad that as intelligent beings we are even able to devise a set or combination or simple words that can strongly define those feelings. Rather than having to babble on quoting shakespeare I can just turn around and say ‘Just have a beer ya c***, coz you’re acting like a fkn c***’

rufus says:

03:43pm | 01/02/11

So is much of what we say, Pamski. If we stuck only to the strictly necessary, it would be close to a vow of silence.

bleeemo says:

11:25am | 01/02/11

It has nothing to do with class. Just because you think your sh!t doesn’t stink doesn’t mean you’re better than anyone else fella. Depending on the context it may be accurate and correct. I think that people who are unable to communicate beyond their own defind persona are the ones that truely lack class.

Ryan says:

11:50am | 01/02/11

@bleeemo: hardly, class these days can be directly translated to values, now I think it is a long held societal view that having values makes your self respect better than someone who hasn’t any. Oh and P.S. money does not equal class, in fact in many cases it is quite the opposite.
Dropping the C bomb and any other swear word labels you as someone whose values (or class) are not compatible with yours. Its got nothing to do with being “better” than anyone, but if you feel inferior because you feel the need to be a “potty mouth” then that is your own conclusion and your self respect is showing.

Vanessa says:

07:10pm | 01/02/11

It is related to your class, but we’re talking moral class.

Bleeemo says:

11:12am | 02/02/11

Nup, you don’t get it. Read what you just wrote, you still think you’re better than the guy waiting in line for his dole check. You don’t know him or anything about him. The judgement here has started and ended with you.
You wont experience many interesting things in this world if you insist on only viewing it through narrow specticals.

ando says:

01:55pm | 02/02/11

Ryan, Next you’ll be saying it shows a poor vocabulary.

Ryan says:

03:45pm | 02/02/11

@ando: no I won’t and I would appreciate it if you wouldn’t put words into my mouth.

Ryan says:

03:49pm | 02/02/11

@Bleeemo: no sorry do please quote exactly where I state that “I think I am better than someone”, I know for a fact I am not the same but that is a different story.
As for the guy standing in the dole queue, I have no sympathy, boo hoo everyone has their problems harden up and get a job, 99.999999% of Australians lead such a sheltered and privileged life that there really is no excuse other than some disability. You want to boo hoo, go try that in Africa and see how far it gets you.

Bleeemo says:

08:51am | 03/02/11

you fail at life ryan, that’s why yer sad and angry mate.

Bleeemo says:

08:51am | 03/02/11

you fail at life ryan, that’s why yer sad and angry mate.

Chris L says:

08:02pm | 01/02/11

I always thought it was Saxon for vagina and became considered dirty because the Noman’s outlawed the use of the Saxon language. Of course I didn’t put much research into that so I’m probably wrong.

bleeemo says:

11:17am | 01/02/11

I hate the term “too easy” when i hear someone say that i think, ‘oh would you like me to make it hard for you then eh’... I think you may be refering to a personality type. I dare say that given the correct context you may not find the c word so incorrect.

James1 says:

12:19pm | 01/02/11

Oh that is the worst.  It is one of the main reasons I listen to my iPod on public transport, because I cannot stand the social housing single mothers saying it to their children.  Actually, not just saying it to them, but actually calling them one.  Awful.

Tim says:

12:31pm | 01/02/11

James,
calling those children C*nts is probably preferable to their actual names.
“Oi, Stop that Jayden/Taneesha/Beaudean/Mercedes/Kaytlyn/Braydon”

Markus says:

12:29pm | 01/02/11

I’ve also heard the word “kyant” (pronounced in an intentionally over-the-top ocker accent) starting to be used a lot.

Jess says:

01:11pm | 01/02/11

Haha, a few of my friends call each other “Clark Kent”.

I personally never ever ever say the c-bomb. I’m no feminist, and I swear quite a lot but I do find it really quite offensive no matter what context. I just don’t think it’s necessary.

AFR says:

12:46pm | 01/02/11

Wouldn’t he call it a “coont”?

mike j says:

01:56pm | 01/02/11

“I am no prude” - Yyyyyyyyyyyes you are.

“one of the ugliest sounding words in the English Language” - Really? That’s been objectively proven somewhere? It’s not just your subjective opinion? I think German sounds pretty ugly, but I don’t want to ban it.

“what exactly does the c-word mean other than to refer to part of a woman’s genitalia” - What do the four-letter words ‘cock’, ‘dick’, ‘wang’ and ‘dong’ mean, hypocrite?

“Nor do we need the “C-word” to be allowed to infiltrate our beautiful language.” - You think you get a vote on what words are ‘allowed’ into our language?

Throughout your entire rant you have failed to give one good reason why this word should be treated any differently from any other four-letter curse word. You are a spoiled child who thinks the rest of society should engage in double standards to suit your hypocritical sensibilities… i.e. you are a woman.

notSue says:

01:53pm | 01/02/11

Well said Amy.

That’s *why* we still object, Eric. It has nothing whatsoever to do with feminist “paranoia”.

Eric says:

04:30pm | 01/02/11

Umm, no. It’s still paranoia.

If the alleged attacker had used another word, there would have been no difference. It’s the context and intent that matters, not the sound.

notSue says:

04:48pm | 01/02/11

Rubbish, Eric.  Try being a woman and have that said to you in threatening circumstances. Once again you demonstrate that you have no idea about women at all.

Eric says:

05:06pm | 01/02/11

Once again, notSue, you demonstrate that you have no clue about anything at all.

HonkyTonks says:

07:39pm | 01/02/11

Misogynist.

Amy says:

07:41pm | 01/02/11

There’s a reason why he chose to call me a c**t as opposed to a dickhead, a douchebag, an arsehole, a pig, a scumbag etc. He chose it because he’s a violent, sexist woman-hater and cunt is a woman-hating word. Again, that’s the entire point of the word and why he used it during the attack. I wasn’t being ‘precious’ or ‘overly sensitive’ in perceiving that choice of language as a threat against me as a woman. That was simple reality.

Hateful, divisive language and rhetoric has been used to dehumanise particular groups of people throughout history, and is a tried and true method of mobilising violence. It worked for Hitler and the KKK, which is precisely why the ‘n’ word and the swastika are now considered off limits by most people. I don’t see how sexist language that reinforces mysoginy and gender violence is any different. If you feel such a strong need to shock others, there are plenty of other naughty words you can use. Or, you could just refer people to the latest stats on the worldwide epidemic of male violence against women. That’ll shock ‘em. Why celebrate language that historically and still today drives and reinforces that violence, particularly as a woman yourself?

http://www.saynotoviolence.org/issue/facts-and-figures

Kat says:

10:55pm | 01/02/11

Amy, it’s only a hateful, vicious word if you allow it to be. Any word, said with vitriol and malicious intent, can feel like a kick to the stomach - as someone who’s had “bastard” spat at me (used in the literal meaning, because my parents weren’t married) in a similarly hurtful way, should I have a fit every time the word bastard is used as a (non-literal) insult, as a term of endearment, or on South Park? Should I protest society’s increasing desensitisation to the term bastard… as it’s not easy to dissociate the word from its original intent - ie to dehumanise and perpetuate social stigma directed towards people born outside of wedlock?

I’m sorry you were subjected to such appalling treatment by your ex, but his hateful useage of c*nt doesn’t objectively mean it’s too spiteful to reclaim or casually use. A word only has the power we give it. Bastard is still used as a vicious, derogatory insult too, but the venom is in the intent, not the word itself - not every use of the word has the hateful, vicious intent behind it. Therefore, I have no problem with the term or it’s increasing commonality, just like as a woman I have no issue with the same for the word c*nt.

Erick says:

04:25am | 02/02/11

Amy, by your reasoning, the fact that men get called “dickhead” and “prick” shows that our society endorses violence and hatred against men.

By the way, there’s an equally large epidemic of women’s violence against men, so your theory could even be right.

http://www.csulb.edu/~mfiebert/assault.htm

averill says:

12:47pm | 01/02/11

Totally agree gom !

mike j says:

03:58pm | 01/02/11

To respond to your simplistic rhetoric: because I associate with people outside my immediate family. They’re called ‘friends’. I don’t swear at my grandmother, but I swear at my friends. See the difference there?

“Swearing is simply a demonstration of an individuals lack of vocabulary” - Old man, my vocabulary could contain your vocabulary in its urinary tract and still have room for a six pack. And I’m fine with swearing. So not only are you irrelevant and out of touch, but your logic is so arbitrary that I suspect you might actually be sockpuppeting for a woman.

(FYI: ‘it’s’ and ‘individual’s’ both have apostrophes)

Robert S McCormick says:

06:26pm | 01/02/11

Mike J, your continuous rant just shows that really you have nothing to say other than to use swear words - no matter how mild - to get your point across. Just becase you think it is OK to litter your so-called converstaions with obscenities demonstrates how little vocabulary you have. All those words you cite such as ‘cock’, ‘dick’ etc simply refer to men’s penises. The c-word - which you seem to be unable to bring yourself to spell out in full ( I wonder why? Are you every bit as hypocritical as you accuse Wilma J Craig of being?) refers to female genitalia. Wilma J may be a woman but if you has read any of her earlier posts you would know that she is an 82 year-old widow. Why shouldn’t she dislike certain words? Or do you in your peurile arrogance think that everyone should be a brain dead as you are?

bleeemo says:

12:07pm | 02/02/11

Sorry Rob but you just made his point mate. Yeh sure she can be offended, but offence is subjective mate, therefore irrelevant.

The way you attacked him too kinda makes you sound like a bit of a c***.

Ando says:

02:11pm | 02/02/11

Rob and Grumpy old Man can you please explain the “Shows a lack of Vocabulary” line . It simply has no logic matter how many times it is said. It is so obviously nothing more than an attempt to insult.

Bev says:

06:22pm | 01/02/11

I myself very seldom swear. A point remarked on by my daughter who said she had never heard me swear.  There are better ways to express your feelings.  I do however get annoyed when feminists are quite happy to use references to male genitalia as insults and put downs while throwing hissy fits if the tables are turned. I guess a good example would be the NSW speeding ads which I do find very offensive.

averill says:

01:53pm | 01/02/11

As far as I know women do not have a “dick, cock, or prick”  they do however have the last of your obscenities. If males are not offended by these words being used about their male parts, thats fine with me.  But please respect my female parts !!!

RobJ says:

02:38pm | 01/02/11

averill, I guess you missed the point, if you’re going to complain about using derogatory terms regarding female genitalia and ignore it when it’s about male genitalia then you are being inconsistent.

“But please respect my female parts”

What, yours specifically? No thanks

Like I say if you’re offended by the term then it’s you who has a problem!

Matt says:

04:55pm | 01/02/11

Penis doesn’t have the right ring to it some how.
C**t/Penis aren’t related.
C**t/Cock are!
Yes I do use cock forcefully (I don’t tend to swear at people). It has the bonus of not offending anyone as men aren’t that delicate.

RobJ says:

02:26pm | 01/02/11

What is your excuse for your bad grammar?

RobJ says:

02:34pm | 01/02/11

Like the wise man once said (Billy Connolly) there is no bad language, there’s language… I say “get over it!”

Oh yeah, I’ve met a few who claim to find swearing offensive yet they like Billy connolly????

“I think it is indicative that society in general is becoming too lenient and tolerant of people saying or doing whatever they like. “

I don’t agree, people can’t just say what they like unless it’s true, plenty get sued for libel. They can’t do what they like either if it’s illegal for example. Well they can but there are consequences. Why exaggerate?

Timmy of south park says:

04:05pm | 01/02/11

@ Rob J,You are obviously very comfortable using the C word and are probably used to hearing it from birth,But alot of people find it offensive.
Do you use at gatherings,functions and family get togethers?

RobJ says:

08:34am | 02/02/11

“Rob J,You are obviously very comfortable using the C word and are probably used to hearing it from birth”

Why make assumptions? Heard it from birth? Nope. What’s it like jumping to conclusions?

“Do you use at gatherings,functions and family get togethers?”

If I do use it and someone gets offended then that is their problem.

RobJ says:

08:38am | 02/02/11

By the way Timmy, my post was merely highlighting Brent’s errors, ie society isn’t becoming tolerant of people saying whatever they like. There are consequences to lying, libel etc it’s just that most of us (society) aren’t so petty that we worry about colourful language. And from that you extrapolated my type of upbringing…

Bleeemo says:

11:52am | 02/02/11

Yer second paragraph is kinda the point mate. Not everyone was raised with a golden spoon. Is it a childs fault his mother is a junkie, or his fathers fathers father never had work?
The ills of society cannot be solely blamed on any one demographic. All have contributed to where we are today as a society, and so all are responsible.
It is ignorant to think you are better than anyone else, and arrogant to expect anyone to follow your footsteps simply because you think it’s best.

notSue says:

04:37pm | 01/02/11

One day, when men are mature and sensitive enough to cease using a simple four-letter word in an insulting, derogatory and vicious manner, women will shout Hooray! from their boardrooms, as well as from their loungerooms.

Eric says:

04:41pm | 01/02/11

notSue - One day, when women are mature and sensitive enough to cease being offended by a simple four-letter word, they might aspire to equality.

notSue says:

04:53pm | 01/02/11

Oh please. It’s how it’s used and what it means. If you really can’t see that, there’s no reason why I’d want to be equal to men like you. I’m vastly superior! hah!

Matt says:

06:02pm | 01/02/11

You’d be an amusing guy if you weren’t so homophobic…

mike j says:

08:10pm | 01/02/11

Based on some of the comments here, both of those scenarios seem pretty unlikely to me, notSue.

Matt: You have me at a disadvantage. I presume you’re referencing a previous statement of mine? I’m quite opinionated. I make a few. Homophobic, though? I’m not scared of homosexuals. In fact, I could easy take down most of the fags I know. They’re kind of… wiry and effeminate.

If, rather, you mean that I’m prejudiced against homosexuals, you’re wrong there, too. But why don’t you take that up with me in a blog about homosexuality, sweetheart? That would be fabulous.

Vince says:

04:39pm | 01/02/11

It’s easy to decide what is appropriate or not appropriate language.  If someone punches you in the face you’ve probably said something inappropriate.  Unless of course you say it to someone who is weaker or smaller than you.  Which simply makes you an arsehole.  How about we try not to be arseholes and we avoid saying things that gets us punched in the face?  Or is that too PC for you.

Martha says:

05:03pm | 01/02/11

What’s a “scruber?”

bananabender says:

03:55pm | 01/02/11

Phuc is one of the most common Vietnamese surnames.

Lou says:

01:32pm | 02/02/11

I’m a woman, and I have no problem with the C word. It is just a word & to say that it is ‘never ok in female company’ makes us all sound like precious and delicate little creatures.
Is it okay for woman to say c**t in your mind?

Rachelle says:

05:14pm | 01/02/11

Thanks for the laugh!

bleeemo says:

11:57am | 02/02/11

The common meaning of the word has nothing to do with genitals.

Feminist says:

07:49pm | 01/02/11

Why is it the worst possible word you can think of? Why not ‘cock’ or ‘dick’ - the hypocrisy of people who dislike this word is amazing. Do you know what is more offensive? Whore and slut - somehow more acceptable than the ‘c’ word but both are used in an incredibly derogatory fashion toward women to make them feel inferior about enjoying sexuality. A word is a word - what is important is context and intent.

Jade says:

09:56pm | 01/02/11

Aboriginals find it acceptable to call each other niggers and coons, I don’t find it offensive at all.  Jay, get over yourself

Bleeemo says:

11:46am | 02/02/11

Pass judgement on others for not adhearing to your personal agenda and lose mine.

Lou says:

12:48pm | 02/02/11

Wow. What a judgemental person you are .Gee, dropped from your facebook friends?! There is no greater punishment than that!

I like Z says:

09:16am | 02/02/11

Hilarious Chris,got a mirror

Bleeemo says:

11:27am | 02/02/11

Why are you so afraid of other people? People all over the world are different, so it should come as no surprise that some in our own backyard are also different. Do you bother to think of circumstance? Explain to me how a third generation unemployed person who has had no work ethic instilled in them is meant to rub shoulders with white collars like yourself….
Just remember mate the tradies think you’re just as useless as you do them.
I’m not condoning it, just saying, maybe put the judgement stick away eh…

Immigraniada says:

04:08pm | 02/02/11

Second to last insult

Lou says:

11:44am | 03/02/11

What’s the ultimate insult?

Oh but ‘panties’ is just so cringe worthy.. I can’t even say it.,

Bob Stewart says:

06:29am | 07/02/11

True Jimbo, offensive to the majority of Australians too. Its not cool anymore. Least of all around children and little old ladies. But it is surprising that so many young men have become such cunning linguists when formerly the prerogative of much older men.