Meaning & use
slut
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Meanings
nouncountableoffensivevulgar
A deeply insulting word for a woman judged to have many casual sexual partners; it is sexist and should not be used.
Grammar: Countable; used only as an insult.
The word slut is a slur that targets women's sexual behavior.
Many campaigns oppose using slut as an insult.
Some writers discuss why slut carries a double standard.
nouncountablearchaicoffensive
An old and now rare word for a lazy, untidy woman.
Grammar: Archaic; the sexual meaning is now far more common.
Old texts sometimes call a messy servant a slut.
The archaic sense is now almost forgotten.
Historians note this older use of the word.
Word forms
| plural | sluts |
|---|
Common combinations
- slut-shaming
- Slut-shaming criticizes women for their sexuality.
- call someone a slut
- It is hurtful to call someone a slut.
- slur
- Slut is considered a slur.
Synonyms and how they differ
- promiscuous person
- A neutral, descriptive phrase without insult.
Word family
- slutty adjective
- an insulting word about appearance or behavior
- slut-shaming noun
- criticizing a person for their sexual behavior
Commonly confused: slut or slot?
slut vs slot
A slot is a narrow opening; the words sound different and are unrelated.
Practice
How is the word slut generally regarded?
Choose one answer.
Slut is a derogatory slur and is best avoided.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “slut”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.