it's funny how different the meaning of 'cunt' is in US slang compared to australian/british.
it seems to be specifically aimed at women when used in the USA, but i'd never consider calling a woman a cunt. it's got a decidedly misogynistic tone in that context.
whereas i know a lot of aussies who use it as a term of endearment. "tough cunt", "good cunt". i also love "
rude cunt", because it's so ironic.
"hard cunt" reminds me of scottish slang, and especially irvine welsh books.
i agree that it seems to have a generational divide in who finds it acceptable (or offensive). i would never call a woman a cunt.
but i've certainly called plenty of inanimate objects cunts...
sometimes i hear people say "that word hates women", but i like to think of myself as an equal opportunity swearer.
if i call people "dicks", "knobs" or "bell ends", is that misandrist?
shakespeare even alluded to the word "cunt", in hamlet. the phrase 'country matters' (a euphemism for sex) is in Hamlet.
HAMLET
Lady, shall I lie in your lap?
OPHELIA
No, my lord.
HAMLET
I mean, my head upon your lap?
OPHELIA
Ay, my lord.
HAMLET
Do you think I meant country matters?
OPHELIA
I think nothing, my lord.
if it's good enough for Shakespeare, it's good enough for me

i am a massive Shakespeare fanboy, admittedly.
i think the squeamishness about using the word 'cunt' probably has a misogynistic element to it - and it's not a word i would drop in "polite company" (such as some of my more PC feminist friends - or my mother), but i do find it interesting how different the connotations are in different english speaking countries.
unlike a lot of people, i have no problem whatsoever with the idea of political correctness, and definitely adjust the language i used based upon the audience, because to me that is just common courtesy.
linguistics, etymology and semiotics are all so fascinating.