offensive language - What is currently the most obscene word in British English?



In a recent question, I realized that while I know what's currently considered the most obscene word in American English ("cunt"), I am told that word is much more unexceptional and workaday in British English, and I do not actually know what word does bear the distinction of most obscene in that vernacular. So, what is it?


Looking for current rather than historical usage, obscenity rather than taboo for reasons other than obscenity (as with racial slurs in the United States), and obscene words rather than obscene concepts -- that is, the taboo attaches to the word itself. If it varies between major British English dialects, give me whatever flavors you know.


For purposes of this question, "most obscene" means that somebody using the word in a context where obscenity is not normally expected will most commonly be thought to be performing the greatest violation of social convention for reason of the word's obscenity.



Answer



I can't think of anything stronger than cunt, to be honest, and even that depends on context.


(As an aside, I think I'd have to side with @chaos on the debate about whether 'relative obscenity' is a meaningful expression. Even though different people may have different levels of tolerance, I think that in a given society, most will agree on what is 'generally acceptable' or not, and will know how to adapt their vocabulary depending on the company present).


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