Christopher Pyne has let slip in parliament, using the c-word during his questioning of opposition leader Bill Shorten.

While it’s unclear whether Pyne was directing the slur at Shorten or Labor MP Tony Burke, his intent was unmistakable as he scoffed: “Oh, you’re such a c**t”.

You can see the incident here:

Twitter users are debating whether Pyne really used the offensive term, with News Limited’s Samantha Maiden swearing (no pun intended) that Pyne actually said “grub”.

Someone please tell Christopher Pyne’s office c**t and grub do not rhyme. Flimsy, very flimsy spin doctors

— David Campbell (@DaveyCampbell85) May 15, 2014

Whatever Christopher Pyne said yesterday to Bill Shorten.. it is not reflected in Hansard http://t.co/imzHCcuwF0

— Karen Barlow (@KJBar) May 15, 2014

Sorry meant to say most hopeful Mr Pyne’s office issue a written statement denying he used the term “c__t”. One to cut out and keep.

— Samantha Maiden (@samanthamaiden) May 15, 2014