c-word

noun4

1. •
   (euphemistic) The word cunt, regarded as vulgar and a swear word.

   • The c-word (cunt) is delivered here with a kind of despairing calm, as if the cuntishness of the British c-words (cunts) was just a sad matter of fact. — 2017
2. •
   (euphemistic) The word crap, often considered mildly vulgar.
3. •
   (euphemistic) Less frequently, a word like cock or cock-sucker, camel-jockey, Chink, ching chong, or cracker, regarded as taboo or offensive.
4. •
   (informal) Any word beginning with c that is not normally taboo but is considered (often humorously) to be so in the given context, like clitoris, condom, cancer, or communism.

   • ‘Cancer’ is a frightening word and once mentioned, death is probably everyone’s next thought. — 2025