General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: Australia's Opposition Leader Just Called A C**t In Parliament [View all]stevenleser
(32,886 posts)As you could tell by the lack of shock by the speaker and everyone else in Parliament when they heard Pyne say it, the word is much more commonly used in Australia and the UK and doesn't nearly have the shock value it does here. It's about as shocking as saying the "S--t" word here. i.e. it's still a vulgarism that should not be uttered in formal situations, but you can get away with it.
I think if a man said that word on the floor of the house or senate here in the US, I would be surprised if the ensuing uproar didn't force them to resign.
I've heard the word used by English speaking people in pubs and other informal situations in Europe with some frequency and no one is the slightest bit shocked, well, except me the first time or two each trip.