It's a matter of context. "Cunt" really cuts to the bone, used in any context. Seems that it's "the biggie" (the worst word to describe a woman or her parts) here in America...but in other countries it's used more widely as another word for pussy. Unless you are looking to ire me (and get your face smashed in), don't call me or my bits a "cunt"!

Other than that....how and when a word of description is used....not what word, but how it is used.....is the key. I can detect a condescending attitude and so it would vary by circumstance.

And, I might add, the person using a term (such as slut, whore, cunt, chick, girl, etc....) knows what feeling they wish to impress.....and maybe they think they aren't letting on that they are being condescending or nasty.....but they should know, they aren't as cunning as they hoped....because I'll know what you mean when you say it!

In the company I work for now thay have had seminars as to what sexual harrassment actually is and things NOT to do. Everyone is usually respectful of everyone else. There is the mild flirtation and inuendo.....but there has never been a case of blatant sexual harrassment! My boss once put his arm around my shoulder while listening to me explain a problem....I didn't think anything of this until he pulled away and said he had to be careful of the harrassment connotation. I told him it didn't even cross my mind....but he said you can never tell when it will cross someones mind. It was nice of him to realize that someone could be offended by this....but I consider my boss a touchy/huggy/caring man and I wasn't offended by this action at all. And I too can be "touchy" when explaining things......and not in a sexual way either. Again, I think it depends on the circumstance and feeling implied.

I worked for two employers who DID blatantly harrass me. One boss came up behind me while I was sitting at a demo sewing machine....put his hands on my shoulders..and as I turned to see what he wanted, he slid his hands down and cupped and fondled my breasts! Before I could say a word he was gone....off to his office. I got so angry I cried (I hate when I do that) and I was shaking. The store wasn't open yet and no one else was there and so I collected myself and went into his office without knocking and asked him just what he thought he was doing by fondling me. In a snicker, he said that he couldn't resist....that he had been dying to feel my breasts since I first came to the store for the job. I really needed this job and I felt stuck there with no retaliation. I worked there for two more weeks....making sure I was never alone with him again. The other employees and even this man's wife noticed the difference in me. Finally, I couldn't take it anymore and I left the job...no word why. Looking back I wish I had of at least told his wife what happened.

Another time was very similar (different boss, similar circumstance).....and back then a woman had little recourse......so I just quit that job too. In retrospect....as I now know I did have recourse and it wasn't only happening to me.....I would have handled things differently.....and assured that no one after me have to put up with this offensive behavior!

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Minds are like parachutes. They only work when they are open.

~Thomas Dewar~