A derogatory term historically used to describe women perceived as sexually promiscuous, though increasingly reclaimed and challenged.
From Middle English 'slutte' originally meaning a dirty or slovenly woman, with no sexual connotations. The sexual meaning developed in the 16th century, showing how moral judgments became conflated with cleanliness.
The evolution of 'slut' from meaning 'untidy' to its modern sexual context reveals deep cultural anxieties about women's autonomy. Some feminist movements have worked to reclaim the word, challenging the double standards embedded in its usage.
Originally meant a slovenly person of any gender (14th-16th c.). Narrowed to women in the 17th century and weaponized as sexual shame—a disciplinary term uniquely applied to constrain women's autonomy and sexuality.
Avoid entirely outside reclaimed contexts. The term remains fundamentally tied to gendered shame and control.
["promiscuous (if behavior is relevant, define neutrally)","sexually active (neutral descriptor)","or avoid labeling altogether"]
Feminist reclamation exists ('slut walks') but this does not erase the word's primary function as gendered harm.
Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.