TED Talks Daily An honest history of an ancient and "nasty" word | Kate Lister
Apr 1, 2021
Kate Lister, a sex historian with a knack for etymology, dives into the captivating history of the word 'cunt.' She reveals its innocent origins and shocking transformation into a controversial term. The discussion highlights its duality as a term of endearment in some cultures and a severe insult in others. Lister also explores how societal attitudes toward sexuality have influenced the word's evolution and its provocative presence in literature, including the works of Shakespeare. It's a humorous yet enlightening exploration of language and cultural norms.
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Cunt's Offensive Status
- The word "cunt" is surprisingly offensive, considering it simply refers to the vulva.
- Its level of offense is comparable to racial slurs, raising the question of why.
Etymology of Cunt
- "Cunt" is the oldest word for vulva in English, possibly the world.
- It has cognates in various Germanic languages, like "kunter" (Viking) and "kunt" (German).
Roman Graffiti
- Roman graffiti in Pompeii features the word "cunis", the Latin variation of "cunt".
- One example translates to: "A hairy cunt is better fucked than a smooth one."
