Cunt is an English word that refers to the human female genitalia, continuing Proto-Germanic *kunton. It is considered by some to be the most offensive word in the English language[1]. Some reject this exclusively negative connotation as inherently sexist towards women, and claim that insult is an inappropriate use for word which once meant respect for women. In general English usage, the Latin term vulva (or, less accurately, vagina) is considered to be much more polite. The earliest citation of the word in the Oxford English Dictionary is a reference to the London street name "Gropecunt Lane" dated to about 1230. The Germanic word was possibly influenced by Latin cunnus.

Like many vulgar words, cunt owes some of its potency to its phonetic characteristics. Its monosyllabic nature, combined with the hard k sound at the beginning and the sharp t at the end make it well-suited for use as an epithet or interjection.

In non-amorous situations, "cunt" is primarily used as a term of personal abuse, generally considered the most offensive description of either a man or (especially) a woman. In English, it implies that the named person is extremely nasty and unpleasant in a way that far exceeds the vehemence of the word "bitch," for example. In the film One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest, for instance, the central character McMurphy, when pressed to explain exactly why he doesn't like the tyrannical Nurse Ratched, says: "She's something of a cunt, ain't she?"

In England, "cunt" is also considered a foul and insulting word by many, but it is used by and about men more often than women. In Australia, and to a lesser extent England, while still being considered highly offensive in most contexts, the word is also often used and received more gently, to the extent that in some situations it has a comedic quality and can even be used as a term of affection. During foreplay and/or sex, men and women alike may be excited by using the word "cunt" to refer to female genitalia. This is probably due, in part, to its phonetic potency (see above) and its perceived "dirtiness."