Is it time to start calling out bad cyclists?

I notice lots of people justifying their use of the word 'cunt' at people who they feel have done a bad bit of cycling. Is it really nescessary? However right you are, you're not going to improve the situation with a slanging match. We all swear when taken by surprise, but this desperation to be right creates more aggro, and it is aggro that has probably caused the bit of bad cycling in the first place.

Everybody, stop calling everybody cunts, calm down, you didnt die. Approach the offender reasonably and you might even get an apology.
I hate the use of the word in this context too William (in fact most contexts apart from its actual meaning) but I'm certain it's used more 'on here' than 'out there'.

If you are referring more generally to the habit of starting arguments and/or shouting abusive words at fellow cyclists who wrong you, I can't believe either are ever "necessary", as such, but a "bad bit of cycling" can obviously be extremely dangerous and as you say, it's natural to shout out when our safety is threatened.

Personally, I don't think getting in to an angry debate, lecturing, trying to make people feel bad or swearing in the heat of the moment ever teaches them a lesson but instead just pisses them off. It's road rage, isn't it?

When I've seen cyclists doing this, or been unlucky enough to ride with them, more often than not, they make themselves look/sound more foolish than the person they're giving the bollocking to. It's embarrassing and creates stress in other road users.