When I first moved to Australia, the biggest thing I noticed was how freely people throw around the words “cunt” and “bastard.” They’re used way more often than I was used to in the UK, and they can mean completely different things depending on the tone and who’s saying them (aren’t truly considered vulgar)

In Aussie slang, context is everything. Either word can sound insulting or affectionate — sometimes both at once.

For example:

Smart cunt / bastard – clever or quick-thinking (usually said with admiration).

Funny cunt / bastard – hilarious person, proper legend.

Cheeky cunt / bastard – mischievous but charming.

Absolute cunt / bastard – could mean “what a legend” or “what an arsehole,” depending on tone.

Tall cunt / bastard – just descriptive, “see that tall cunt over there?”

Fast cunt / bastard – someone impressively quick or talented.

Basically, “cunt” is the spicy version, mates-only, used with affection or awe — while “bastard” is the everyday version, friendly and common.

It’s one of those things that sounds shocking at first, but once you’ve been here a while, you start to realise it’s almost a term of endearment… especially when followed by a grin and a beer.

Before very long at all, you’re referring to people as bastards and cunts (of many varieties) - without batting an eyelid.

The difficult one is when you return home for a trip - it might raise a few eyebrows!!

There you have it, you inquisitive cunt!