# cunt

/ˈkənt/ (US) · /kˈʌnt/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/cunt
Updated: 2026-09-18

## Senses

### 1. female genitalia

noun · CEFR C2 · Vulgar

a very vulgar and offensive word for the female sex organs.

For teachers: an extremely taboo and vulgar anatomical reference to the female genitalia, specifically the vulva.

- The historical text contained the word cunt as a vulgar anatomical reference.
- Lexicographers observe that while cunt originally denoted female anatomy, social taboos turned it into the most severely censured profanity in modern English.

Teaching tip: This is considered an extremely crude and taboo term for the female anatomy; learners should always use standard anatomical terms like vulva or vagina instead.

### 2. offensive person

noun · CEFR C2 · Vulgar

a very rude and offensive word for a person you strongly dislike.

For teachers: a highly offensive and taboo epithet used to describe a person perceived as extremely unpleasant or contemptible.

- He was being a total cunt to the waiter for no reason at all.
- The witness described the defendant as a manipulative cunt who had systematically alienated every member of his own family.

Usage: In American English, it is often directed at women and carries intense misogynistic force; in British and Australian English, it is frequently directed at men.

Teaching tip: This is considered one of the most offensive words in the English language; learners should avoid using it as it can lead to extreme social or professional consequences.

### 3. difficult thing

noun · CEFR C2 · Vulgar · British English

a very rude way to describe a difficult task or an annoying object.

For teachers: a vulgar metonym for a difficult, frustrating, or intractable situation or object.

- This car is a real cunt to start when it is cold outside.
- The mechanic muttered that the rusted bolt was a right cunt to remove without breaking the surrounding housing.

Teaching tip: Chiefly heard in informal British and Commonwealth English; inappropriate in any formal or polite setting.

### 4. excellent or stylish

adjective · CEFR C2 · Slang · Vulgar

a slang word used to describe something as very good or impressive.

For teachers: a vulgar slang intensifier used to denote excellence or high quality, particularly within certain subcultures.

- That new outfit you are wearing is absolutely cunt.
- The performance was described by fans as 'serving cunt', a specific slang expression used to praise someone's fierce or impressive appearance.

Usage: Most commonly encountered in the phrasal idiom 'serving cunt' in fashion, ballroom, and internet subcultures.

Teaching tip: Although celebrated within specific subcultures as high praise, it remains deeply offensive to the general public.

## Examples

- He was acting like a total cunt at the party.
- The argument escalated quickly until one man shouted a vulgarity, calling the other a cunt in front of the crowd.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.