A person or thing that cuts with slashing movements, or a type of horror movie featuring a killer with a knife or sharp weapon.
From 'slash' (to cut forcefully) plus the suffix '-er.' The film genre meaning became popular in the 1970s and 80s with movies like 'Friday the 13th.'
Slasher films became a huge genre in the 1970s-80s as a reaction to social anxiety—they often featured teenagers making bad decisions, which reflected real teen culture in a darkly exaggerated way!
Slasher genre disproportionately depicts women as victims; the framing reflects 1970s-80s horror conventions that eroticized violence against women.
When discussing the genre, acknowledge its gendered violence patterns. In other contexts, use neutrally.
Contemporary horror increasingly centers female agency; acknowledge Wes Craven and female directors reclaiming the genre.
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