More interesting is how in the British Isles and Oceania, how cunt and mate have switched meaning. I'd rather my friends call me a cunt (as the closest ones do

More interesting is how in the British Isles and Oceania, how cunt and mate have switched meaning. I'd rather my friends call me a cunt (as the closest ones do) than mate, because the thin veneer of politeness in mate implies distance if not contempt (from strangers / acquaintances).