Slut, Whore, Skank...

What's in a name?

The dictionary definition of a slut connotes a female who is excessively promiscuous and "frequently engages in sexual activities with multiple partners." If this is the case, why are we increasingly seeing this word and its derivatives becoming an umbrella term, liberally thrown about to encapsulate any woman who even remotely veers from the a-typical monogamous relationship?

The frequency with which society uses this term and others like it has even led to the development of concepts such as slut shaming, whereby women are derided for enjoying sex and having sexual desires. Is this not a contradiction to the idea of a progressive society?

Woman incessantly call for a more egalitarian society, but isn't the disregarded overuse of words like this perpetuating the antiquated ideal of a demure woman, by criticising those who stray from tradition?

The biggest irony of this, is that no similar term exists to describe such behaviour from our masculine counterparts. As Urbandictionary, the infamous source of youthful knowledge, attests to, male sexuality is just endorsed.

But why should female sexuality be any more shameful than male?

I am not suggesting that we should all immediately embrace our inner feminist and join a SlutWalk today. Just, that we should be more aware of the language we use and the connotations that it holds, to promote a more positive regard for women's sexuality. Simply put, everyone deserves to be respected, regardless of the way they act or dress.

#opinion