Talk:Twat/Archive 1

Next step
Next step - when and how did this become a vulgarity? -- BD2412 talk 04:51, 2005 Jun 22 (UTC)

This article has been kept following this VFD debate. Sjakkalle (Check!)  1 July 2005 09:18 (UTC)

See Twat v. Browning January 19, 2005, Language Log. Tearlach 13:23, 30 July 2005 (UTC)

To twat
To twat a twat = Ouch?
 * I'm very suspicious of that. Moved to Talk pending source verification. The term does deserve mention, however, as the title of a Nirvana bootleg album. Tearlach 14:38, 7 August 2005 (UTC)

archaic?
Before I edit, I'd strongly query the comment that the word is "increasingly becoming archaic". It is in regular usage here in Australia (although it does not carry the intensity it carries in the UK). Is it becoming archaic in the USA?
 * The only time I can ever recall hearing it in the US was in Blazing Saddles, which is over twenty years old. The term is still very popular in the UK. Editing. Thumper 19:16, 31 January 2006 (UTC)

I live in England, the word twat is in frequent use.

Non gay?
I have removed the unsubstantiated assertion that 'twat' is a 'non-gay' term. What in earth could this mean? Are there words that are gay and words that are non-gay?81.107.211.98 22:22, 7 February 2006 (UTC)

Taboo words
I strongly disagree with the assertion that "twat" is considered in the UK to be a more offensive word than "cunt." "Cunt" remains the most taboo swear word of all. By comparison "twat" is a relatively mild term. There may be no logic in this, since the words have essentially the same meaning, but there it is. 82.2.87.221 22:27, 8 February 2006 (UTC)


 * I would go on to further assert that "cunt" remains the most taboo word in all regional variants of English, and certainly in the US, UK and Australia. Manning 03:20, 18 April 2006 (UTC)

Vandalism
Some recently vandalized this article, 82.17.48.146 was the source of it. I restored it back to the previous state. I guess the guy that vandalized this could be conisidered a twat--- or I am the Twat--- depending how you define the meaning of the word Sayanora. REN 02:44, 15 July 2006 (UTC)

"Twat" less vulgar in Australia?
Is it fair to say that "twat" is a more acceptable word in Australia than here in the UK?

I was in Melbourne recently, and saw an Aussie episode of Big Brother - some of the housemates were quite openly calling each other twats (bear in mind that this show airs at 7pm). In Britain, one would expect this word to be "bleeped" out on any programme broadcast before 9pm. 217.155.20.163 21:04, 1 August 2006 (UTC)

"Changing Use" Section
Removed section about young people in the north not knowing what Twat originally means. No citation, and in my personal experience (I am a 21-year-old from Sheffield) not in fact true. Left reference to "twatting" someone and onomatopoeia. Catachresis 14:18, 10 September 2006 (UTC)

Picture
There current picture is a bit ridiculous, no? Someone put up a picture of himself. Does anyone care to delete it? —Preceding unsigned comment added by 67.182.78.230 (talk • contribs)


 * I deleted it, but then it got restored. I agree, it's irrelevant to the article. =Axlq 16:31, 6 February 2007 (UTC)

Inherently funny word

 * The term may be an inherently funny word

That phrase implies that there is such a thing, which is a bit silly when the article on inherently funny words makes no such claim (and quite rightly). Not that I think it should be removed; just rephrased. Unfortunately I can't think of anything other than "Some consider the term…" which sounds pretty weak, and is unsourced (not that the existing phrase is sourced). — TheJames 12:55, 8 March 2007 (UTC)

Graphic Display of Aritcle's Subject
I'm thinking that what this article needs is some sort of graphic representation, so readers can get a feel for what exactly a twat is. I'm going on a blind date tonight (first date in two years and I'm excited, wish me luck LOL!). I could probably get a snap-shot of a twat for inclusion in this article if I play my cards right. Let me know and I'll post the picture up here as soon as I get it. Peace. Kitler005 16:13, 5 September 2006 (UTC)
 * the date didn't go so well :( sorry guys Kitler005 17:57, 15 September 2006 (UTC)
 * I'm not surprised.--Hugh7 21:55, 7 January 2007 (UTC)
 * Where the christ are we ever going to find a picture of a twat, now, then? you let us down, Kitler005. I'll start writing a grant proposal so we can get a survey study underway. Once it's peer reviewed, maybe it will yield something that can take the mystery out of this article. 68.123.141.33 17:58, 25 March 2007 (UTC)

Zero
I'm from the uk, and I've never heard Twat used to mean 'Zero'. Anyone else?


 * Me either. That's bollocks. 81.168.45.231 16:51, 9 July 2007 (UTC)

Twat
Can we have a pic? —Preceding unsigned comment added by 83.218.129.168 (talk) 18:12, 24 September 2007 (UTC)

Doubtful text
Unsourced claim posted by single-edit
 * In the UK, "Twat" is considered more expletive and insulting than "Cunt" and is used primarily against a person who has total disregard for others or is utterly abhorrant. It can be said that "half the cars on the road are driven by cunts and the other half by twats" meaning (firstly) "idiots who don't know how to drive" and (secondly) "morons who drive with total disregard". As with all expletives, it can be used either as an insult or as a "term of endearment" (used only to VERY close, broad-minded, male friends). E.G. "He's a right twat - I wouldn't trust him as far as I could throw him" or "what an absolute twat" or "Now then yer dozy twat - where you been? I haven't seen you in ages!"

Cunt is definitely more expletive and insulting in my experience. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 77.101.192.137 (talk) 00:22, 10 December 2007 (UTC)

The War Against Terror
T.W.A.T :D —Preceding unsigned comment added by 81.158.153.122 (talk) 11:34, 9 April 2008 (UTC)
 * Removed from article. If you can find a citation for this, it can go back in.  ;C  Weasel Fetlocks (talk) 19:39, 2 July 2008 (UTC)

Trivia Section
I've returned the Trivia section after it was removed. While WP:Trivia states that they are to be discouraged, it specifically does not suggest removing the sections. It might be worth looking at how to incorporate this information into the article, though, and possibly trimming it back a bit. - Bilby (talk) 02:31, 24 June 2008 (UTC)


 * I've removed it again. Trivia is best avoided, but is sometimes acceptable on a subject where the ammount of trivia can be finite - e.g. trivia on a specific film or book may be OK.  In this case, however, the 'Cultural References' section was just a completely arbitrary list of songs, films, anything that contains the word 'twat'.  Such a list is a potentially bottomless bag, & serves no purpose.  If we're going to do this for 'twat', then why not do the same for every swear word?  Imagine a list of any random use of the word 'fuck', for example - it would contain every second film from the past thirty years, & it would not focus on the subject at all.  You'll notice that the WP article for 'fuck' does not contain such a trivia section, & for good reasons.  There is no reason why the 'twat' article should have this kind of trivia.  Weasel Fetlocks (talk) 19:36, 2 July 2008 (UTC)


 * Also removed some redundant definitions which were synonymous with others. Weasel Fetlocks (talk) 23:47, 2 July 2008 (UTC)

Vulgar / Offensive
Several edits have been made to this page claiming that some uses of the word are non-vulgar or non-offensive in the UK. This is not true, and neither is it substantiated in the source which is being cited (http://www.bbc.co.uk/dna/h2g2/A753527). Look up 'twat' in any dictionary, including Wiktionary, & you will see either 'vulgar' or 'offensive' or both against the definitions. It is always considered a rude word (& so is not used on British television other than late evening), & when applied to a person is always considered offensive. How offensive may depend on the context & perception (e.g. may be less offensive when used jokingly between close friends) but the same goes for any kind of insult; it doesn't stop it being an offensive word. Weasel Fetlocks (talk) 22:41, 7 July 2008 (UTC)


 * From the reference, it is widely used in the UK as a slightly more expressive form of 'twit'3 or 'idiot',. I have heard this used meaning twit many times "what twat left the tap running", etc. -- Q Chris (talk)


 * That doesn't stop it being an offensive or vulgar word. Most pejoratives could be used in that context ("what stupid cunt left the tap running?").  To say that this kind of use is not vulgar or offensive is misleading.  Weasel Fetlocks (talk) 11:03, 8 July 2008 (UTC)


 * No if you watch the TV characters and so on that say it you will see that it is not in the same context. It is used where people would not be vulgar, e.g. in front of parents and so on. -- Q Chris (talk) 11:19, 8 July 2008 (UTC)


 * Can you cite an example of that? I doubt you will find an example where 'twat' is used on TV during family viewing times.  What words people use in front of their parents depends on the context of their relationship with their parents & their own attitude to swearing.  However, that does not alter the fact that 'twat' falls into the category of vulgar language: it is not thought of as a polite word to use in front of children, strangers, on daytime television, etc. Weasel Fetlocks (talk) 12:22, 8 July 2008 (UTC)

In my experience, the usage varies from area to area within the UK. As someone from South Manchester, it is to me the softest of schoolboy insults. In the words of a colleague "what you called your mother if she gave you the wrong sandwhich". But mention it in London and watch the women take offence. Thus the difference of views above. —Preceding unsigned comment added by Crantock (talk • contribs) 22:58, 19 July 2008 (UTC)


 * Twat is interchangeable with "twit" in ye olde dialect of Cheshire/Lancashire. Its usage is dated in the same way the usage of "gay" to mean "happy" is dated.  Jacqueline Wilson made that mistake apparently.  Twat also doesn't have the same meaning all the time depending on context.  It's not a polite word in most modern uses, but we used to have teachers that'd tell us to twat the ball.  Someone like Blaster Bates, if you listen to his recordings, you'll find him at it all the time.  As did/does Fred Dibnah.  You'd have to find one of the old books by them, or a transcript of one of Bates shows.  Anyway, it's a bit antiquated.--Koncorde (talk) 21:46, 24 September 2008 (UTC)

Unknown term 'exclisitive'
The article uses the term 'exclisitive' -- what does that mean? —Christian Campbell 03:48, 9 November 2008 (UTC)

Willy wonka
Veruka Salt uses it it the movie to refer to her father's factory workers opening up the wonka bars to find the spoiled brat a golden ticket —Preceding unsigned comment added by 72.227.186.97 (talk) 16:47, 3 May 2008 (UTC)
 * To my knowledge she calls them twerps, not twats.78.33.70.38 (talk) 21:03, 24 January 2009 (UTC)

Maybe protect this for at least a week?
It only seems logical. I am still confused on how to submit a page for protection.

DAMN IT.........and I forgot to sign again JasonHockeyGuy (talk) 06:24, 3 February 2009 (UTC)

Can someone add Stephen Colbert's "Twatted" usage?
Today, 3/29/2009, on the Today show with Meredith Viera, Colbert was asked if he had used Twitter before. He responded by saying "I have twatted", creating one of television's most awkward non-scripted moments. This should definitely be included in the historical uses of this word but I believe the article is protected. —Preceding unsigned comment added by Ohnoesaz (talk • contribs) 18:09, 20 March 2009 (UTC)

The word is also commonly used to refer to the current prime minister of the UK. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 86.143.25.175 (talk) 15:55, 24 April 2009 (UTC)

Is twat vulgar if used in non sexual manners
We inside UWEC, alongside other education groups are divided over if the use of "twat" outside of sexual connotation really is vulgar or not. We've heard nonsexual uses of "twat" for eternity, though huge controversy over the nonsexual uses of the word have exploded regarding whether or not they are really derogatory, vulgar or non vulgar. We need closer insights regarding this word in nonsexual style.

The UWEC at 173.26.80.178 (talk) —Preceding undated comment added 02:36, 9 May 2009 (UTC).


 * In the UK, it is ALWAYS vulgar. In the US, it is used for vulgarity 95% of the time. The remaining 5% is normal useage of the word, albeit by vulgar people. I hear it used exclusively by stand-up comedians who have a more vulgar comedic style (Rodney Carrington, Chris Rock to name two). Rodney Carrington talks at great length about his mother using the word "twat" when telling his sisters to go and perform their ablutions. Interesting difference in pronunciation though, in the UK it is a short "a" and percussive "t", but in the US the word comes out as "twart" with a long "a". I hope this helps. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 81.107.183.201 (talk) 01:30, 11 May 2009 (UTC)

The needed citation
As a derogatory insult, a pejorative - 'you twat!' needs a citation.

For this, http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/cornwall/8077101.stm

"Lib Dems apologise on swear word, Stuart Culllimore is said to be very upset over the attack The paperwork was distributed on behalf of Anna Pascoe, Lib Dem candidate for Cornwall Council elections on 4 June. It calls Mebyon Kernow candidate Stuart Cullimore a "greasy-haired twat". He is considering what action to take."

Mkecna (talk) 13:51, 1 June 2009 (UTC)

Could the history of this word be different?
Duat (earth's middle)- this definition is on the page that talks about apophis, the asteroid that has a slim chance of hitting the earth. "Apophis is the Greek name of the Ancient Egyptian enemy of Ra: Apep, the Uncreator, a serpent that dwells in the eternal darkness of the Duat (earth's middle) and tries to swallow Ra during His nightly passage." —Preceding unsigned comment added by 76.26.204.218 (talk) 13:12, 31 December 2009 (UTC)

could the etymology/history of this word be different?
I was reading about the asteroid that scientist are tracking and came across this word that sounded like it made sense as a place where this word really came from: "Duat", an Egyptian word.

Apophis is the Greek name of the Ancient Egyptian enemy of Ra: Apep, the Uncreator, a serpent that dwells in the eternal darkness of the Duat (earth's middle) and tries to swallow Ra during His nightly passage. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 76.26.204.218 (talk) 13:16, 31 December 2009 (UTC)

T.W.A.T.
T.W.A.T. also an acronym that soldiers in the army us to call tankers without a tank (TWAT) and as while im talkin about tanker acronyms theres also D.A.T. dumb as tanker kinda random but kinda druged from pain meds i have after my tank was blown up. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 66.69.37.20 (talk) 03:19, 22 February 2010 (UTC)

Grammar Mistake
editsemiprotected

Hey, simple mistake. Someone forgot the " at the end of a quote. Please change He attempted to play down the incident, and added: "I was doing a radio interview and I'm sure that people will understand that. to He attempted to play down the incident, and added: "I was doing a radio interview and I'm sure that people will understand that."

Note: I hate having to bother someone else for a simple mistake like this, why is this article even protected?

Birdsal (talk) 04:07, 7 June 2010 (UTC)
 * ✅ Thanks for the catch, simple mistakes are still important to fix. Protected due to probably lots of immature vandalism. C T J F 8 3  pride 04:13, 7 June 2010 (UTC)

"Fool"
I live in England, as AFAIK the term generally means either a jerk or to hit (someone) hard - not "fool" per se. To me, it doesn't imply stupidity, merely that the subject is deliberately or uncaringly annoying... can someone else verify its use to mean "fool"? Tyrhinis 15:44, 11 June 2006 (UTC)
 * Whilst I've not heard the word used alone to mean 'fool', I have frequently heard (and occasionally used) an expression such as 'daft twat' to convey this meaning. In my experience such use is in contrast to the usual aggressive nature of the word, and is typically used in a joking and affectionate manner amongst friends. 78.33.70.38 (talk) 20:55, 24 January 2009 (UTC)

Ive never heard anyone say you are a real a twat and a half... that is not a an english saying you useless bunch of twats... —Preceding unsigned comment added by 146.87.52.51 (talk) 12:05, 14 June 2010 (UTC)

John Cooper Clarke's poem, 'Twat'
I think this listing is not complete without a mention of John Cooper Clarke's poem of the same name :

see live performance here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g-aVtKEhpO0 and http://www.cyberspike.com/clarke/twat.html for words  —Preceding unsigned comment added by 86.15.38.77 (talk) 20:25, 30 March 2011 (UTC)

British English !!!!!!!
Its just English deal with it. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 62.255.199.100 (talk) 19:36, 7 May 2011 (UTC)

Synonymous with twit?
Not really. Twat is a much stronger word. Twit is a far more polite, milder pejorative. Suggest that be noted. Martyn Smith (talk) 20:00, 17 October 2011 (UTC)
 * Good point. I've made some changes more closely based on the cited sources. This isn't Urban Dictionary, but people have a go at adding their LOLs to articles like this sometimes anyway. --Nigelj (talk) 20:43, 17 October 2011 (UTC)

Twat is far different from a twit and only a twit would call someone a twat. User:Dena Feldman Forman (talk) 14:57, 31 July 2012 (UTC)

Often can mean drunk / stoned
Surprised this isn't mentioned in the article. "They lost it at the launch party, and were both twatted" ...well known in this context in the UK. Easy to look up. Also there are many occasions where the word "twat" is often used in a mild, comedic sense, and somehow the vulgarity is therefore removed. — Preceding unsigned comment added by 81.157.241.142 (talk) 15:28, 25 July 2013 (UTC)

The word twat is also used to describe Chris 'EGO' from BFP — Preceding unsigned comment added by 93.152.101.5 (talk) 16:07, 20 December 2013 (UTC)

Why is Twat in Category:Sexuality and gender-related slurs when the article doesn't even mention slur at all?
Don't understand this category for this article, when there's no direct citation for "slur" in the text. The disambig page for Slur says it may mean:
 * Pejorative
 * Slur (phonology)
 * Slur (music)

According to Dictonary.com, perjorative (when used as an adjective) means "having a disparaging, derogatory, or belittling effect or force", and used as a noun means "a pejorative form or word, as poetaster".

Can the category be changed to be more accurate? Thanks, EChastain (talk) 18:13, 3 November 2014 (UTC)

Vulgar
"Twat is a vulgar expression for the human vagina."

Isn't that POV? Who's to declare what is vulgar and what isn't? I dont consider twat to be a vulgar word. It's a slang word and probably a swear word, but "vulgar"? I wouldn't say that definate. I think it should be reworded. Visitors can work out for themselves if it's vulgar or not. --Hugzz 12:57, 19 February 2006 (UTC)
 * There's no such thing as a non-vulgar swear word. Don't be ridiculous. Chris Cunningham 11:56, 9 April 2006 (UTC)
 * on the contrary: blueblooded, "classy" Brits say "mickey" instead of "piss" in the ubiquitous "take the ... out" expression. "Piss" is vulgar and profane, so slurring the Irish is the classy, non-vulgar way to express this particular swear. 68.123.141.33 18:05, 25 March 2007 (UTC)

Vulgar is an accepted way of denoting a swear word. If you were to say "take the Mickey" you would not be swearing, so Chris Cunningham is right. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 83.100.226.213 (talk) 19:15, 19 October 2009 (UTC)


 * According to Dictionary.com, the meaning as an adjective is:
 * characterized by ignorance of or lack of good breeding or taste: vulgar ostentation.
 * indecent; obscene; lewd: a vulgar work; a vulgar gesture.
 * crude; coarse; unrefined: a vulgar peasant.
 * of, pertaining to, or constituting the ordinary people in a society: the vulgar masses.
 * current; popular; common: a vulgar success; vulgar beliefs.
 * spoken by, or being in the language spoken by, the people generally; vernacular: vulgar tongue.
 * lacking in distinction, aesthetic value, or charm; banal; ordinary: a vulgar painting.
 * According to the Oxford Dictionaries:
 * Lacking sophistication or good taste: a vulgar check suit
 * Making explicit and offensive reference to sex or bodily functions; coarse and rude: a vulgar joke EChastain (talk) 18:45, 3 November 2014 (UTC)

Twot
I've heard Americans pronounce it thus. Maybe a slightly less rude-sounding variant (cf. "titbit" Americanized to "tidbit")? — Preceding unsigned comment added by 87.115.5.85 (talk) 12:16, 9 February 2015 (UTC)


 * It's the common pronunciation of the word (which matches other words such as "what". IMHO the British pronunciation with the flat 'a' is more emphatic.  To me, the word pronounced "twot" in British English always was an entirely different word with a much less emphatic and less taboo meaning.  — Preceding unsigned comment added by 2602:30A:2C4A:1CB0:A4CF:B6E2:53C0:AE7D (talk) 00:48, 8 November 2016 (UTC)

Who wrote this nonsense?
Who made up all this nonsense and then banned sensible folk from editing the page?

Twot is totally different from Twat, nobody in the UK pronounces it in any way but with a wide 'that' A. So that's an error to be edited out immediately. Also, its prevalent use the world over is for female genitals, with the proposed first usage (silly person) secondary. The article keeps saying 'North America this' and 'North America that', but it's all wrong. — Preceding unsigned comment added by 46.208.148.229 (talk) 12:16, 17 April 2017 (UTC)

twatted
this is a very academic way of looking at a real life word. It is used nowadays to describes may activities — Preceding unsigned comment added by Mojoladak (talk • contribs) 05:09, 12 December 2010 (UTC)

Twatted can mean a very drunk person, or a past tense of being drunk. "Look at them - they are twatted" - or -  you were absolutely twatted last night   — Preceding unsigned comment added by 90.202.86.144 (talk) 16:52, 3 July 2018 (UTC)

Semi-protected edit request on 11 August 2018
Addition between sentence 3/4. "Twat is never pronounced as Twot in British English, which has recently been mistaken to be the correct pronunciation in several US TV shows and films. For example, Easy A." Watyadun (talk) 21:24, 11 August 2018 (UTC)
 * Red information icon with gradient background.svg Not done: please provide reliable sources that support the change you want to be made. Waddie96 (talk) 08:26, 13 August 2018 (UTC)

"1660 satirical poem, Vanity of Vanities"
This blog, from 2005, may be of interest. Martinevans123 (talk) 13:15, 7 July 2019 (UTC)

Pejorative terms for women
At the bottom it's listed in the group "Pejorative terms for women" but it's almost exclusively used as an insult for men, I've never heard a woman called a twat. Should this be removed? 159.242.64.162 (talk) 15:29, 9 December 2019 (UTC)

Semi-protected edit request on 1 June 2020
✅ - The [original research?] tag in this line:

In reality, its meaning was the same then as now, and Browning's misconception probably arose from a line in a 1660 satirical poem, Vanity of Vanities:[original research?]

Can be changed to a citation for page 189 in A Brief History of Swearing as viewable in Google Books:

https://books.google.ca/books?id=hPfuSMp_70oC&lpg=PA189&ots=YmixbUnfsY&dq=They%20talk't%20of%20his%20having%20a%20Cardinalls%20Hat%20They'd%20send%20him%20as%20soon%20an%20Old%20Nuns%20Twat&pg=PA189#v=onepage&q=They%20talk't%20of%20his%20having%20a%20Cardinalls%20Hat%20They'd%20send%20him%20as%20soon%20an%20Old%20Nuns%20Twat&f=false 107.179.145.170 (talk) 17:39, 1 June 2020 (UTC)

Semi-protected edit request on 7 August 2021
twat is a British slang word for..... a stupid or obnoxious person. also used to descibe a woman's genitals. 77.99.162.137 (talk) 13:24, 7 August 2021 (UTC)
 * Red question icon with gradient background.svg Not done: it's not clear what changes you want to be made. Please mention the specific changes in a "change X to Y" format and provide a reliable source if appropriate. ScottishFinnishRadish (talk) 13:45, 7 August 2021 (UTC)
 * The article already says this very clearly. Martinevans123 (talk) 14:25, 7 August 2021 (UTC)

vowel shift
Can a link be added to the top to Great Vowel Shift as this seems to be why different pronunciations in USA and UK — Preceding unsigned comment added by 88.112.31.26 (talk) 15:49, 23 April 2022 (UTC)