the c-word
- noun
- Offensive
:
la palabra con C
- He was fired after using the c-word in a meeting.
Examples
-
The actor apologized for saying the c-word during the interview.
-
Many people find the c-word even more offensive than other swear words.
-
Don't say the c-word!
-
I can't believe you just said the c-word!
-
Many people consider the c-word to be one of the most derogatory terms in the English language.
-
The comedian faced backlash after using the c-word in his stand-up routine.
-
During the debate, a politician referred to the c-word to emphasize his point about offensive language.
Synonyms
43
6.0
Words that are rude and upset people, often about religion
39
9.9
A very rude word for female sex organs
18
7.1
A word people think is rude or not polite
8
5.8
A rude word people say to show strong anger or surprise
2
8.6
A rude word people say when they are angry
1
6.1
A rude word that is not for children
1
9.9
A vulgar old word for a woman's private parts that is now offensive
1
9.2
An offensive or rude word considered inappropriate in polite speech
1
8.6
A rude word people use when angry or to insult someone
1
7.2
A rude word people say when they are angry or surprised
To replace bad words when you are angry or annoyed
A rude word about sex or body parts
Very rude words or actions that hurt people
Rude words or actions that aim to hurt someone
How Offensive
- Offensive
- Slur
1
9.5
- Offensive
43
6.0
- Offensive
1
7.2
Surface Forms
Morphology
the + c-word
The pattern 'the X-word' is a productive euphemistic construction in English, so a learner who knows 'the', the letter 'c' and 'word' can infer it refers to a taboo word beginning with C rather than a literal phrase. However, recognizing the exact referent (and that it is an extremely offensive term) depends on cultural/pragmatic knowledge beyond simple lexical composition, so the relation is only partially transparent.
Etymology
The c-word is a way to talk about the very rude word 'cunt' without saying it. It uses the first letter c plus the noun word to hide the real swear, so people use the c-word to avoid the rude word in public or on TV.