The Charm Podcast with Bunny: The C Word
You can’ t say the c word.
Today on an NSFW episode of The Charm, I explore the origins of a word many Americans believe to be the very worst curse word you could call a woman.
You know, SEE YOU NEXT TUESDAY! C…U…N-
The C Word
Yes, the C word. Cunt. And most non-British people who speak English agree- it’s a shocking word that can elicit an audible gasp from a room full of adults. At least, that’s been my experience.
At the very least it’s my favorite curse word. It’s the very last curse word I learned, so it’s wrapped in mystery for me.
I am rather fond of the C word and wanted to learn it’s history.
Where does it come from? Why is it the worst thing you can call a woman (many people are of this opinion)? So I did a little research. Etymology typically gives me historical mind boners. Along the line I learned the word “pudenda” which I wasn’t really familiar with- and I was in a production of The Vagina Monologues before!
There are two etymological schools of thought on the origins of the c word. One side says the word comes from a Latin root, the other team of etymologists, who reject the Latin root theory, argue that the word comes from the Germanic word. The earliest reference in English appears to date circa 1230.
It turns out that cunt was not even a bad word until the 20th century. Which makes sense because the English language in America has become increasingly sanitized, with all this PC police all the time! Too bad we can’t go back to the good old days when women were bought and sold like property, amirite freedom lovers?
But I digress.
C— is a powerful word in its simplicity. The combination of sounds make it both irresistible to say and a deafening blow. I’m of the opinion that the only way to take away its negative power is for we women to reclaim the word, make it our own.
Use it ironically, offensively, subversively. However you choose. And by you, I mean women.
Bring on the comments.
