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Slut, whore, and ho are all terms that are meant to imply sexual promiscuity. However, these terms have become a common way for women to insult other women, as well as a way for men to insult women.
University of Georgetown law student, Sandra Fluke, spoke her mind regarding the new law requiring insurance to cover birth control, in front of Congress, during the debate to pass the law. The controversial law angered many, especially Rush Limbaugh, a radio show host.
Limbaugh attacked Fluke on the radio for promoting contraceptives. Along with many other derogatory statements, Limbaugh called Fluke a slut. He said he used the word because "well what would you call someone who wants us to pay for her to have sex?" Limbaugh said his statements stemmed from not believing citizens should pay for social activities.
Social activity or not, Limbaugh went too far. Fluke never once said she was promoting sexual activity. Many young women use contraception for health reasons, not so they can be a "slut." I think Limbaugh's outrageous comments were very hurtful, but have become common in society.
The word slut has become an insult thrown around between girls and is a way for boys to trash talk girls. However, I do believe girls call other girls sluts more than guys do, and most of the time it is used as an insult; not in reference to a girl's promiscuity.
If a girl thinks another girl is prettier, skinnier, anything superior to themselves, she is deemed a slut. It's called slut shaming. People insult others with the word slut even when they have no knowledge of that person's personal life.
Even though Limbaugh apologized and claimed he didn't mean it as a personal attack, nine companies have removed their advertising from his radio show. Calling somebody derogatory names, no matter what word it is, is a personal attack. You are saying the word to insult the person and express what you think about the person. It's an attack.
Yes, slut is sometimes said in a joking manner, but it shouldn't be used to characterize somebody based on appearance or because they use contraceptives.