The C Word

Throughout history, people have created a set of slang words and terminology to be used as aspersions. When we were younger, we used insults such as butthole and dork. As we matured, so did our put-downs: they increased in vulgarity as well as severity. We now throw around general ignominies like jackass, bastard, shithead or asshole. They’re all relatively the same insults as when we were younger but with a little bit more zing to them. But another layer of demeaning language has been added in our maturation that is more focused on the specifics of people, such as race, sexual orientation and gender. Most of us could compile a pretty damn long list of inappropriate nicknames to call anyone that is non-white or queer. As for gender, we all know which sex gets the short end of the fucking stick. There are at least a dozen terms set aside solely for the purpose of putting down a female. Insults for men are few and far between: dick and prick are probably the most male-specific put-downs, which aren’t exactly the most hard-hitting things I can think to call someone. You’re pretty much calling them their genitalia; which leads me to question why the word cunt is used to insult women.

Once upon a time, some jerk off had anonymously called my phone to say that he was discussing with his friend how much of a cunt I was. My first reaction? I was pissed beyond belief, of course! My instinct of rage kicked in as I called the fucker back to question his identity, which he did not reveal, being a scared little shit and all. As I calmed down and thought about the situation, I realized that I was overreacting. The true reason for my anger was that he didn’t voice his opinion to my face, not the exact term he referred to me as. Getting called a cunt? No big deal! Pfft, what a great fuckin insult, pretty much calling me a vulva. Haha. Real demeaning.

If you would have thrown that word at me a few years ago, I would have stopped at nothing to smash your face in. But I’ve rationalized its use since then. After doing some quick research, I found out the word cunt came into circulation in the Middle English period around 1325. Its use as an abusive term towards women didn’t really start until the late 1920′s. I also discovered that cunt is the last genuinely unprintable and unsayable expletive in the mainstream media of America, less acceptable than fuck! Well, what’s the big goddamn deal people? Even in the UK the people most offended by this word are men. They use it for one another to express that they are being obnoxious or malicious. This just goes to show that the worst thing you can call a guy is a girl and the worst thing you can call a girl is a girl. In this case, women are being called their own body part… and taking it as an insult. How ridiculous is that?

I think it’s time females take back the word for themselves. It could be just like guys calling one another dude or man. They have their reserved nicknames and why should women be left out of all the fun? It should no longer be treated as a hugely offensive and abrasive derogatory term towards females. But don’t take it personally if it comes from someone with a Y chromosome. Man calls you a cunt? Say thanks! Tell them you’re proud to be as well as have such a lovely little package of wonder and mystery. Make sure to spread the love to other cunts! See a woman on the street and greet her by saying “Good afternoon, cunt!” Female friend make a big accomplishment? Applaud her by stating “Congratulations, my fellow cunt!” Sure, this might not catch on for a couple of decades or so, but it’s a start. I wholeheartedly believe that becoming desensitized to the word will make people more aware of what it emulates and will take the bite out of it. Women need to embrace such a strong word and use it as a mode of empowerment instead of letting it be turned against us.

Remember grrls, if we can bleed for 6 days and not die, we can withstand anything. Including a menial four letter word.

PS. KK, no hard feelings. You’re a dick.

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