Hello GNHQ

According to Wikipedia “in his book Filthy English, linguist Peter Silverton asks "Can you distinguish an utter twat from a complete prick? I think you can. An utter twat knows not what he or she does. A complete prick does."”

So perhaps the question posed about Boris on the other thread was incorrect?

Bump

Not everyone knows what the term in question means. My mother recently started using it, as in 'That politician is such a twt.

I had to explain to my 91yo mum what it actually meant!

Yes, but there are no 91 year old at GNHQ. They know what it means.

That's what happened to me, SueDonim. I was stunned. I thought it was just a variation of the word twit. My husband put me straight .

Then in later life I heard it used many times in prison and working in deprived areas.

I must point out that I wasn't actually 'in' prison

This word is banned by OFCOM in TV and Radio.

It is not a harmless word.

Richard Dawkins, ( not everyone's cup of tea) tweeted this about the word

If you use "c***" or "twat" as terms of abuse, you forfeit the right to accuse anyone else of misogyny.

This is not bad language. I don't give a hoot about swearing. Do it all the time.

But if I heard any of my grandchildren or children use it I'd be having a fit of the vapours.

Luckily we don't use it in this household.

Gonegirl It's demeaning to women would you like to explain how please? And if it is is are the many terms for male genitalia demeaning to men?
Personally I think its just a word. Women of course are by the norms of polite society not expected to use such words, and if you choose not to that's up to you. The person I've seen use the word "cunt" the most on TV is Kathy Burke and if she wants to I don't see why she shouldn't.
I do agree that if GNHQ disapproved of "fuck" but let "twat" stay they have double standards.

Good post OopsMinty.

Oopsminty This word is banned by OFCOM in TV and Radio.
Would you like to post some evidence of this?
It was probabaly like "cunt" little used in the past. But I think both are acceptable now.

No, I don't think various terms for men's genitalia is the same thing at all. Men are much more casual about their dicks. And dicks are external. Women's genitalia are internal. And have a more profound use than willies which, let's face it are used mainly for the owner's pleasure. To me that makes a big difference.

My language has deteriorated hugely over this last year. I am not proud of the fact but do have a genuine reason. The evil shite giving my DD1 such a bad time right now has stretched my offensive language usage to the extreme. I have been known to use the tw.t word on numerous occasions. Strange, as I loathe hearing anyone else saying it. It does help calm blood pressure I find. Anyway, I googled that very word yesterday. Apparently the main definition of it is to describe a stupid and offensive person. The second given definition is for women’s naughty bits. (I have never used the “c” word, even about him). I agree with Gonegirl though, it does seem rather off showing the “t” word on the home page.

So any woman who uses it is misogynistic? Only a man could write that. It's because women aren't culturally expected to swear, so only men would use the word. It is in fact a remnant of the patriachy when women are expected to be good, subservient, and behave properly. Swearing isn't expected. But women can swear and if they want to they should be able to, and to use any words they choose and not have some bloke saying it's misogynistic.

Don't get that at all.

Not arguing about the word anymore. Just know it's bad and I hate it.

But there, what do I matter in the great scheme of Gransnet?

Gone girl love your post and the profound ending, ‘mainly for there own pleasure’?

Would you like to post some evidence of this?

I'm just off out to lunch now but have swiftly googled and found numerous sites, trisher

Here's one for you

www.digitalspy.com/tv/a809925/ofcom-swear-words-ranking-in-order-of-offensiveness/

I'll leave now

I honestly don't think you've been mixing with the 'right'? people if you think this is an acceptable word

Yes, I'm sure HQ know the meaning, Gonegirl. I was just relating an anecdote, that's all.

Oh. Sorry.

Blimey - 'the right people'! Who defines those? Snobbish or what.
I'm with trisher on this. We're obviously not 'right'.

Thank you Hildagard.

Oopsminty banning isn't the same as regulating you know. Ofcom has lists and grades words. There are some it recommends shouldn't be used before the watershed. It doesn't ban them. www.ofcom.org.uk/__data/assets/pdf_file/0023/91625/OfcomQRG-AOC.pdf
The "right" people are bloody boring anyway!
By the way don't use that link if you are easily offended it's all the naughty words possible.