I was sitting in the car with one of my best friends catching up on our so-called “gossip hour” when she mentioned this one girl was a “slut” because of her actions. The word alone makes me cringe. There is no equivalent word to match the numerous meanings the word “slut” takes on. I find the word to be very gendered as well, seeing it’s usually directed toward the female population, although it can be used vice versa.

I started to question my friend. What made that girl a “slut”? Seeing she closely related the term with the word “homewrecker” I decided to take the question to my Facebook friends.

These are the responses I got when I posted the status, "What is your definition of 'slut?'"

"Someone that has no self-respect that uses sex to try to fill a void" — Adam

"I would say someone who uses sex to manipulate or control people/situations..." — Becca

"Someone who sleeps around a closely knitted group of people, breakdown ng social ties on purpose." — Collin

"I'd say people who have sex with anyone regardless of whether or not they have any type of emotional connection or interest in a future relationship." — Ryan

"I don't have a definition for it. I think it's a word that shouldn't be used. But the definition of someone who uses the word would be: "An insecure, judgmental & sexist person who feels the need to tear others down to help them feel better about themselves." — Arielle

"A slut, to me, is reserved for women with no respect or compassion for not only themselves, but others. Example: a woman who knows a man is married, but goes after him anyway. Someone with no empathy in regards to relationships and such." — Ashlie

"For me it means someone who has a lot of irresponsible sex. I call guys sluts too, so it goes for all genders. Things like having unprotected sex with a lot of partners just seems irresponsible to me..." — Kerry

"Girl who has a boyfriend and is scandalously behaving like she doesn't have one and/or cheating on him in public." — Dario

"A slut is someone comfortable in their skin and is not afraid of sexual attention. A slut isn't afraid to own their sexuality. It's not a big secret they like sex, sex after all is natural and nature." — Jenny

"An inaccurate general term which negatively refers to the sexuality of women which generally mirrors the encouraged sexuality of males." — Lucy

"Slut is a person who disregards and disrespects both themselves and others. Although this term is more commonly used one the female gender, it does not refer solely to them. Males can also be regarded as sluts." — A’alona

"A male or female who sleeps with multiple people based on shallow intentions." — Colby

"Slut is a term that puts women down. There is not an equivalent word to 'slut' used to describe men in the same way. The fact that we still engage in using the term exemplifies how our culture is obsessed with ridiculing those who express their sexuality." — Hannah

"Simply put, the word is an insult and that's all. It is not, and never can be a valid critique of someone. You've never heard anyone say 'Taking everything into consideration and identifying all the variables, it is my belief this person is a Slut.'" — Stuart

"I think it's a term for the sexually oppressed to bring down the people that didn't adopt such restricted desire." — Kevin

Obviously, the definitions are broad and give several viewpoints, but the point of this experiment was to bring awareness to the term. Whether you think the word is gendered or not, it’s a degrading word that no other word can match its equivalency. It’s a derogatory term, and especially as women, we shouldn’t use it toward one another. Women should empower one another, not tear each other down.

Be aware of what you are saying, and why are you saying it. And bring an end to “slut” shaming.