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All words are merely symbols of their meaning, and their meanings change over the years. I'm quite sure that 'arse' and 'bugger' were quite horrendous swear words a hundred years ago, and you can now hear them being said on prime time national radio and TV.
They're still considered swearwords, they're just mild enough to slip past these days. But it's going to be a long time before the meanings of 'fuck', 'bastard' and 'shit' are acceptable enough to see them being used freely.
'Cunt' is universally agreed upon as the most offensive word in the English language. I believe that has more to do with its sound and the way it is used than what it refers to. It has such a guttural, debased sound, it is probably one of the only words in the language that truly encapsulates its purpose in every way.
I don't know if 'Cunt' could ever be an acceptable word. Even to my ears, it sounds shocking if uttered unexpectedly, and especially if preceded by the word 'you'.
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