slut

Slut is a pejorative term used to insult a person, typically a woman, by implying sexual promiscuity or moral laxity. In many contexts it functions as sexual shaming and social policing, associating a woman's worth with her sexual behavior. The term is strongly gendered: men are rarely labeled with it, and when they are, the connotations differ. It is commonly encountered in gossip, entertainment media, and online discourse, where it can escalate into harassment or doxxing.

Etymology and history: The word dates from the late Middle Ages to early modern English, originally meaning a dirty or slovenly person. The sense later extended to sexual behavior and morality. By the 19th and 20th centuries, slut had become a gendered insult aimed at women and girls, often implying moral degeneracy or sexual impropriety. The exact lineage is debated, but the shift reflects broader social judgments about women’s sexuality.

Modern usage and reception: Slut is widely criticized as a misogynistic trope that polices female sexuality. Critics argue it reinforces double standards and stigma around sex. In response, some feminist movements advocate reclaiming the term or countering slut-shaming through education and advocacy. SlutWalk, an annual protest movement that began in 2011, sought to challenge police discretion around sexual violence and the social policing of women's bodies. Debates continue about reclaiming language versus the harm of continued use.

Related concepts include slut-shaming, gendered double standards around sexuality, and sex-positivity movements that challenge moral judgments of sexual behavior.