Words to be avoided in Polite Conversation

[Firefighter01]

Swear Words  
I think that it is still possible to be offended by swear words.
For example the word "cunt" is probably one of the last taboo words in our language and is considered by most as a vulgar word and to be avoided in polite discussion. The gender opposite term "dick" is also offensive, though for a strange reason, much less offensive.
I have heard that some people use that word freely and it is not offensive, rather they use it in an affectionate manner or as a descriptive word where members of their societal group aren't offended and outsiders should show respect for its usage.
Is it best to avoid these words in polite conversation?   

I would appreciate your thoughts, thanks.

Well if you're going to be a cunt about it I can foreswear the use of tard and lame-o references along with racial and ethnic slurs.  But you'd have to be a pretty big dick about it to get me to drop all colorful off-color words and expressions.  Why should I give up half my vocabulary?

But seriously, welcome aboard.

Well, shove it up your fuckin' arse, if that's what you think! Thanks for the welcome it's appreciated.

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I don't think anyone said anything about banning. The OP clearly is talking about politeness, which doesn't mean avoiding words because they're forbidden, but avoiding them voluntarily, in order to avoid causing offence. Sure - free speech guarantees you some freedom to offend in certain situation, but then other people are also allowed to think less of you for it.

+1
If I'm trying to have an above board, intelligent conversation with someone and they suddenly let loose with a string of expletives and they call some stranger walking by a fucking bitch - I would surely make a mental note of that. And I would judge them as rude and/ or unstable.

I remember a couple of years ago a young bloke with social issues was using c & f bombs liberally on a train ride just for effect.  Everyone on board seemed to have the same summation og his character.  I find that when someone starts spewing swear words in an argument, that they have usually lost it in more ways than one.