SLUT. The truth is, at one point in our lives the majority of us have been called this demeaning four letter word. Is there a reason why? Or does the reason why even make sense? Probably not. In today’s society, this word is used as an insult and is loosely used especially among teenagers to mislabel women of all ages. But really, what makes a girl a slut? According to a recent survey that was taken by a large group of college students, these are the reasons why this word gets thrown around so much (followed by the reasons why I think it is unfair).

• LIKING SEX- It is not uncommon to hear that if a guy has sex with a lot of women he is looked at in a better light by his buddies. However, when a woman admits to having a lot of partners,the word is that she is a slut.

• DRESSING PROMISCUOUSLY- Imagine this: you see a group of girls at a party wearing tight,low cut shirts and miniskirts. What do you think to yourself? If you’re a guy, would you go talk to one of those girls versus a girl wearing a t-shirt and jeans when looking for a quick booty call? (If you’re a girl, read the next bullet point.)

• OTHER WOMEN- This may sound a little strange at first but when you really think about it, us girls are the first ones to judge other girls. For example if we hear that our friend Jenny hooked up with 5 guys in a weekend, there goes her reputation. Or if we see a girl in a skimpy outfit talking to a guy at a party don’t we turn to our friends and whisper “slut”?

When it comes down to it, the word “slut” is a label these days and that is all. Just because you like having sex does not make you a slut. Sex is a part of nature and if you are not in a relationship, you have to get it somehow. Sleeping around comes with a bad connotation but if you’re being safe and both people involved are on the same page,what’s the problem? Dressing promiscuously is just a form of expression. Some girls just like wearing less clothing than others and if they have the body to rock it, good for them! Regardless, the way you dress does not define you as a person. The irony of all of this is that the origin of the word “slut” is “an untidy woman.” Looking around our dorms or apartments, I’m sure that would make a lot more of us sluts.