Word
slut
US/ˈsɫət/
UK/slˈʌt/
Definitions
01promiscuous person
C2 · Proficiency Countable noun Vulgar · Slang
n. an extremely insulting word for someone, usually a woman, who has many sexual partners.
n. a derogatory and vulgar term for a person perceived as sexually promiscuous. Historically applied exclusively to women to enforce social double standards.
“He was fired after calling his colleague a slut during a heated argument.”
“The tabloid was heavily criticised for using the word 'slut' in its headline to shame the young actress for her private life.”
Usage
Almost always used as a direct insult or to shame someone's character.
Teaching tip
This is a high-intensity slur. Learners should never use it unless they are certain of the social context, as it usually causes deep offence.
Synonyms
02reclaimed identity
C2 · Proficiency Countable noun Slang · Informal
n. a word used by some people to describe themselves or their friends in a proud or joking way.
n. a reclaimed usage of the slur, employed within certain feminist or LGBTQ+ communities to subvert the word's negative power.
“She wore a shirt that said 'Slut' to the protest to reclaim the word.”
“The 'SlutWalk' movement aims to end rape culture by reclaiming the derogatory language used to blame victims of sexual assault.”
Usage
Used primarily in political activism or close-knit social groups.
Teaching tip
This 'reclaimed' sense is very specific to certain subcultures; outside of those groups, the word remains a dangerous insult.
Real-World Examples
“The convicted US murderer Carol Bundy is “a common slut” who “would have cheap sex with any man who looked just the once at her”.” Etymology
From Middle English slutt, slutte, slute (“a dirty or slovenly person, usually a woman, scullery maid; messy animal to prepare as food; slush, mud”), probably from Old English slȳte (“sleet”), from Proto-West Germanic slautijā, from Proto-Germanic slautijǭ (“sleet, hail”), related to Proto-West Germanic slaut (“puddle, ditch”). Compare Dutch slodder and slet, dialectal Swedish slata (“idle woman”), Norwegian sludd (“sleet”), and the dialectal Norwegian slutr (“sleet, impure liquid”). Doublet of sleet.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C2 ProficiencyIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.8.5–9.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 6.0114–120
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- C2 · Proficiency
- Updated
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