Slutty

Slutty is an adjective used to describe someone, typically a woman, whose sexual behavior or appearance is perceived as promiscuous or lacking modesty. In everyday use, it carries a strongly negative, stigmatizing connotation and is often deployed as an insult. The term is closely tied to judgments about morality, gender norms, and sexual conduct, and its application reflects a double standard that judges women's sexuality more harshly than men's.

Etymology and history are complex: the word has existed in English for centuries and has historically functioned as a pejorative toward women deemed sexually unrestrained or untidy; slutty extends that critique to describe behavior, clothing, or attitudes. In modern discourse, the acceptability of the word varies by context, culture, and personal preference. Some feminists have sought to reclaim the term in order to subvert stigma, while others view it as inherently derogatory and harmful.

In contemporary media and everyday speech, slutty is often used in fashion or lifestyle descriptions to imply provocative dress or behavior, but many platforms and communities consider it harassment or a form of slut-shaming. Discussions about the term intersect with sexual autonomy, consent, and respect. When choosing language, many people prefer neutral or descriptive terms such as promiscuous or sexually open depending on the setting and the speaker's intent.

See also: slut-shaming; reclamation; sex positivity; gendered insults.