In a turn of events that has left many Australians reeling, the once unspeakable 'C-word' has made its way into mainstream television, uncensored and unapologetic. This seismic shift in broadcasting standards has sparked a fiery debate among viewers, parents, and linguists alike, as society grapples with the implications of this linguistic liberation.

The 'C-word', historically regarded as one of the most offensive terms in the English language, has been creeping into the living rooms of families across the nation, thanks to scenes like those in the New Zealand series 'After the Party.' In a particularly bold moment, the character Penny, played by Robyn Malcolm, uses the term to describe a student, without the expected censorship. This scene, among others, has become a talking point for its raw portrayal of frustration, resonating with many, including perhaps some tight-lipped educators.

The shock doesn't end there. Charlotte Crosby, of the UK's 'Geordie Shore' fame, expressed her astonishment at the frequency with which the term is used in the Australian adaptation, Aussie Shore.'While the British version limited the use of the word, the Australian iteration lets it fly freely, though it's bleeped out for UK audiences.

This 'vulgar' word has been heard in TV shows recently. Credit: Freepik / Freepik

This newfound prevalence on TV has led to a cultural examination of the word's power and place in society. Streaming services, with their global reach and lack of traditional broadcasting constraints, have played a significant role in normalizing the term. Linguists suggest that this increased usage could dilute its shock value and offensive nature, a phenomenon known as 'verbicide.'

Australia's unique relationship with the 'C-word' is complex. The country is known for its more relaxed attitude towards the term, often using it in a paradoxically affectionate manner. However, the transition from street slang to broadcasted dialogue has been significant. Shows from the US, UK, and beyond are now presenting the word unfiltered to Australian audiences, regardless of age.

The conversation around the 'C-word' isn't new. Feminist icon Germaine Greer has long advocated for its normalisation, while comedian Rodney Rude faced legal consequences for its use in his stand-up routines. The word's journey from taboo to television has been gradual but persistent, with shows like 'Sex and the City' and 'RuPaul's Drag Race' incorporating it into their narratives, often with a twist of empowerment or humour.

Yet, not everyone is on board with this linguistic evolution. Many parents and grandparents are concerned about the potential impact on children and the perpetuation of misogyny. Parenting experts emphasise the importance of parental controls and boundaries in media consumption to protect young minds from harmful language.

On the flip side, some individuals, like edgy wedding celebrant Ashley Bunney, welcome the unfiltered use of the word on TV, seeing it as a reflection of reality and a break from sanitised programming.

As the 'C-word' continues to spark controversy and conversation, it's clear that its place in Australian media is evolving. Whether this trend will lead to a broader acceptance or a backlash remains to be seen. What is certain is that the dialogue around language, censorship, and cultural norms is far from over.

Key Takeaways

• The use of the word historically considered the most offensive in the English language is on the rise on television, with Australians becoming more desensitised to it.
• Streaming services and an increase in its usage on TV scripts have contributed to its broader acceptance and potential decrease in its perceived profanity.
• Linguists and scholars offer mixed views on the word's reclamation and its redirection from a term of offense to one of power or endearment within certain communities.
• While some welcome the change, seeing it as an evolution of language, many parents and grandparents express concern over the potential impact on children and the importance of maintaining decency and respect in public broadcasting.

So, dear members of the Seniors Discount Club, we turn to you for your thoughts. How do you feel about the increasing presence of the 'C-word' on television? Is it a sign of progress and free speech, or a step too far in the erosion of decency? Share your opinions with us, as we navigate this uncharted territory in the landscape of modern broadcasting.

 

[Mark@Home]

See you in the Northern Territory, maybe?

 

[Janice McKay]

I find the C word offensive to any woman. Whoever thinks that its ok to swear on TV with expletives of shock words just make me think that they have no imagination or concept of what is offensive and what is not. Are we teaching our kids to not respect women, I think so. It's about time parents and TV organisations take a long hard look at what you are teaching the next generation. NO RESPECT.

 

[Suzanne rose]

I just had a conversation with my husband and 39 year old son, who is a builder.
My son said swearing isn't something he does , although he said when something has gone wrong at work, he may swear. He also said he would have to say that most but not all of his workers don't swear, and that's the building industry.

They also said society is changing to accept ways that we don't think is right.

Eg same sex parents and same sex marriage .
I don't judge these , but my honest opion is We were made to conceive by a man and woman coming together not two men or two women .
Maybe looking at this then I can surely see how swearing will be accepted.

Wonder what's next .. maybe humans being aloud to marry or have sex with an animal .

We need to instill morals, respect and decency

 

[Cathyann]

I am almost 80 and have only heard of that nasty word once or twice and now here. It has never been used, to my knowledge , by members of my family - at least not in my house or hearing I have never used that word in 80 years and so, surely, it has not been nor is it relevant to me. I do not watch the kind of shows in which language like that may be used To be honest I do not ever even find the necessity to use any swear words other than -blow or darn it -but then I do Sew, Knit and Crochet ha ha

RESPECT Thanks to my family and friends for showing me Respect It is most appreciated by this proud prude

 

[magpie1]

See you in the Northern Territory, maybe?

Never got off the ground in the NT tourism campaigns though.

 

[mylittletibbies]

I just had a conversation with my husband and 39 year old son, who is a builder.
My son said swearing isn't something he does , although he said when something has gone wrong at work, he may swear. He also said he would have to say that most but not all of his workers don't swear, and that's the building industry.

They also said society is changing to accept ways that we don't think is right.

Eg same sex parents and same sex marriage .
I don't judge these , but my honest opion is We were made to conceive by a man and woman coming together not two men or two women .
Maybe looking at this then I can surely see how swearing will be accepted.

Wonder what's next .. maybe humans being aloud to marry or have sex with an animal .

We need to instill morals, respect and decency

When I used to pull my husband up on his swearing he would use the excuse that he worked in the building industry.
My ex was a crayfisherman and that was his excuse, fishermen always swear
What a cop out.

 

[magpie1]

I am almost 80 and have only heard of that nasty word once or twice and now here. It has never been used, to my knowledge , by members of my family - at least not in my house or hearing I have never used that word in 80 years and so, surely, it has not been nor is it relevant to me. I do not watch the kind of shows in which language like that may be used To be honest I do not ever even find the necessity to use any swear words other than -blow or darn it -but then I do Sew, Knit and Crochet ha ha

RESPECT Thanks to my family and friends for showing me Respect It is most appreciated by this proud prude

Obviously they have much respect for you, you have raised them very well. Congratulations. ps... I am not assuming at all that they ever use those words anyway.

 

[Franka]

If the "C" word is used in a programme I cease to watch it an delete it from my Favourites. Don't care which programme it is that word is unacceptable to me.

 

[Mark@Home]

Never got off the ground in the NT tourism campaigns though.

It was around for a few years.

 

[magpie1]

It was around for a few years.

Didn't realise that I thought it was shafted....apologies.

 

[Catherines]

I'm by far no prude , if I hurt myself I will often cuss but the thing I hate is when people need to swear in normal conversation.

The C word is one I will never use , I have always hated it.

When hubby is being stupid I will tell him to stop being a dick but I would never call him a P.ick. as I feel it's very disrespectful the same as the C word.

It all comes down to R E S P E C T.

Absolutely with your on that - R E S P E CT for self and others.

 

[Colette 3799]

People around me use that word all the time, and although I would never use it myself I’m finding I’m less offended by it these days. I still hate it but I’ve come to accept it’s just a word and I have to get over it

 

[Alan W]

Where did you get that from !! Women over 50 are using it , what planet are you living on?

Suzanne Rose have you listened to any thing by Margaret Margolyes? Very foul mouthed.

 

[Mark@Home]

Suzanne Rose have you listened to any thing by Margaret Margolyes? Very foul mouthed.

Miriam is highly intelligent, with a wonderful sense of humour and shows genuine compassion to people and causes close to her heart.

 

[deni67]

I remember the very first time it was used on tv, it was well advertised that it was going to be said so of course I had to watch it.
It was on an episode of Sex in the City, one of the girls had a nude portrait done and an elderly lady was looking at it, she turned to the woman and said, "You have a lovely **** dear".
I was shocked and disgusted all at once, but it's been common practice since then sadly.

 

[Mark@Home]

The word cunt first appeared in print in Britain in the Oxford English Dictionary 1230 edition. CUNT was not considered vulgar in the Middle Ages, but became so during the seventeenth century. Cunt was omitted from dictionaries from the late eighteenth century. It re-emerged in the 1960s.

Cunt has links to the 8th Century Old Norse and continued in use as the north Germanic dialects branched into their eventual German, Dutch, etc., languages.

Don't be a cunt, making more of this than necessary...

 

[deni67]

The word cunt first appeared in print in Britain in the Oxford English Dictionary 1230 edition. CUNT was not considered vulgar in the Middle Ages, but became so during the seventeenth century. Cunt was omitted from dictionaries from the late eighteenth century. It re-emerged in the 1960s.

Cunt has links to the 8th Century Old Norse and continued in use as the north Germanic dialects branched into their eventual German, Dutch, etc., languages.

Don't be a cunt, making more of this than necessary...

Couldn't you have used c*** instead of the actual word

 

[mylittletibbies]

The word cunt first appeared in print in Britain in the Oxford English Dictionary 1230 edition. CUNT was not considered vulgar in the Middle Ages, but became so during the seventeenth century. Cunt was omitted from dictionaries from the late eighteenth century. It re-emerged in the 1960s.

Cunt has links to the 8th Century Old Norse and continued in use as the north Germanic dialects branched into their eventual German, Dutch, etc., languages.

Don't be a cunt, making more of this than necessary...

Was that necessary.

 

[deni67]

Clearly, since you failed to hoist my erudite post, setting the word CUNT in its historic context on-board, English comprehension whizzed over your head in school. The word CUNT has existed in proto-Germanic and English from the early Middle Ages as a bona fide noun. It was an everyday noun. It was morphed into something unsavoury by idiotic seventeenth-century prudes and today by weak-willed, lilly-livered, mealy-mouthed, quasi prudish, argumentative, gaslighting you!

I don't give a toss what you were trying to do, you could have used c*** instead of the actual word. We still would have known what you were speaking about!
Try and insult me all you like, you're in the wrong, I doubt many people here want to read your "erudite post" to show how uneducated you really are

 

[Mark@Home]

Was that necessary.

For people with intellect, yes. For people with an interest in orthography and linguistics, yes. I have stated established and verified historical facts. If you or any other ignorants can't handle that, the problem is yours, not mine.