Male insults

forgive me, but isn"t the word p---k just as as bad ?

I don't think it is, Nonu. It's not 'nasty' enough, is it?

I agree. The c word is abhorrent - 'prick' is just used as a throwaway insult and doesn't give me a shock of horror. I don't think men feel very insulted by it either.

It is interesting that insults are couched in genital terms - no logic in that whether male or female.

The c word is used when men want to put women or anyone else down as viciously as possible, It is the fact that useing a word for this part of a woman's anatomy to describe someone is considered the worst insult you can throw at them that makes it use so shocking and unacceptable.

I think p---k is often used in quite a light and affectionate way. The c word is just downright nasty and usually quite threatening.

I have noticed that whereas men greet one another with insults - "Hello you old bastard, how are you?" - women never do that.

There are all sorts of interesting comparisons between gender-related insults. On a less severe level, how about the difference between a man calling another man "You dog" with a wink and a grin and calling a woman "You bitch" with spitting and shouting?

The 'c' word is one I never use, it's a horrid word. Though I will confess to having used most of the others.
I saw Sarah Millican live on Thursday, she used it more than once. I was quite surprised and disappointed.

I have to say, I think the 'c' word is horrible and could never say it and do not like to hear it either. I think the younger generation seem to use words nowadays quite readily without stopping to even think how it sounds or what they even mean. I am quite shocked sometimes to hear even youngsters using language I find quite repulsive. And I am not a prude or narrow minded in any way at all. Rant over!!

feetle is right that men use insults as a greeting: bastard, bugger, etc., even cock. But I think that in my experience p***k is only used insultingly.

Sadly it shows the limitations of their imagination if the vocabulary does not extend beyond the groin. Bring back the insults of yesteryear - thou scurvy knave, thou misbegotten varlet or thou whoreson!!

Whoreson is a fine word indeed. I remember an edition of Henry IV I and II at school that replaced it with plaguey throughout.

I had somebody post on my facebook page using this word with reference to the prime minister, it was a middle aged male, and I found it grossly offensive

I was over on Mumsnet today and the C word was being applied to David Cameron and other members of the cabinet by the young MUMS posting there. I much preferred the comment where we was said to resemble Iggle Piggle. At least it was original and actually he does to a degree.

Sorry, the 'we' should be 'he'.

What a thread to wake up to!

grumppa I am amused that you write bastard bugger and cock in full but not prick

Granny23 that made me laugh out loud . . . Prime Minister Iggle Piggle . . . Perfect. Does he carry a red handkerchief?

Don't like any swearing (although such words have been known to leave my lips) particularly in writing and tend to ignore FB posts where disgusting words are used. 'Skurvy Nave' is one I hope to remember, preceeding it with Thou obviously .

Oh, Granny23 - I like Iggle Piggle.... Won't feel the same about him now! But I do think you may be right. I hate to see written, or to hear the 'c' word. It's quite foul.

I bought a detective novel a while ago from a charity shop. It was a well scripted plot, with one major problem which I hated, the c word was on every second page at least 3 times. Totally unnecessary.

It's almost as though some authors think its necessary now to use the word. I've noticed it in plays as well.
I agree that men seem to use the word prick instead of 'idiot' rather than as a venomous insult.Who knows what goes on when there are no women around?!and as for Mumsnet, I'd better steer clear then.perhaps the use of the word has changed alongside people's views on sex. When sex was viewed as something sacred and loving ,rather than just another gratuitous pleasure
I suppose women in particular may not have used the word as the young ones do now.

Yeah - that Agatha Christie, with her effin' and blindin'!

Not that I ever thought it had much to do with love myself(cynical old bat)

I loathe the c word - it's always used aggressively and is in no way humorous. I have been known to use other 4 letter words, when I stub my painful toe for example. I detest the use of offensive language when it's directed at individuals in anger. I've challenged parents I've heard swearing at their children, loathsome behaviour.