Twitter and the Taboo Word

I'll admit it, I am fucking addicted to Twitter. It is bordering on unhealthy, in a really good way. That doesn't make sense, you're thinking. I know. It doesn't make sense to me, either.

I love Twitter. I love meeting new people, reading their tweets and learning about them. I love funny, sarcastic and intelligent people. They tickle my brain and my funny bone and occasionally, another region, as well. I am extremely fortunate that I have those kinds of friends on Twitter; they make me laugh, make me think and offer tidbits of their lives and adventures. I have friends and followers all over the world, and they constantly remind me that the world is much smaller and intimate than it was twenty years ago.

I've also learned a valuable lesson while talking to my new, international friends. I've learned that words are just words. They hold no more or less power than you give them; and it is not just the speaker who gives the words meaning, it is the listener or reader, as well.

Take the word cunt, for example.

Growing up in a small, conservative community, I was taught that girls were girls, boys were boys, and boys should always respect girls. The word cunt was, and still is, taboo. Seriously taboo. It is THE word that is never said. It is perfectly acceptable for a girl or guy to call a guy a dick, if he was acting obnoxious, idiotic, rude, belligerent or, in general, an ass.

But GOD FORBID, you call a girl a cunt for acting in the exact same manner. A bitch, yes. In fact, the moniker "bitch" is about as bad as you can acceptably go in calling a female a derogatory name. To call a female a cunt, however, is taking a shot at her womanhood, at how she defines herself and her place in society. It is calling into question not just her femininity, but her worthiness, as well. Utter the word cunt, and her behavior gives way to hysterical crying and will form a complex so severe that it will take weeks of reassurance and chocolate to overcome.

Which brings me around to Twitter again. Brits have mastered the word cunt and use it with razor-sharp precision; yet, it's true meaning is in the context. I was told by someone very high up in cursebird.com's rank that it is the vilest of vile words, when no other word can match the depth of disgust and loathing, you throw out cunt. Instantly, there is the sharp intake of breath and a low murmur. There is no comeback. There is no evasion. You stand there and take it on the chin.

The word has other uses, as well. Guy friends call each other cunts, either jokingly or giving warning. I've heard of a woman calling a guy a cunt, although I've never seen or read it, personally. I was slightly appalled at first, but that feeling has since given way to pride, that a woman broke that barrier, feeling strong and brave enough to venture not only into male territory, but out of her own perception of the word. To say, this isn't about guarding my womanhood or how I define myself, this is about you being so horrible that I'm going to call you the one word that will take you out.

Rock on, and all you cunts can fuck off.

I love Twitter.