What is a Slut? Implicit Association Test Findings Support Both Behavior- and Appearance-Based Definitions

Disagreement exists regarding the defining characteristics of a ‘slut’ resulting in difficulty identifying and avoiding ‘slut-shaming.’ Using an adapted implicit association test, we showed participants considered both behavior and appearance when labeling women slutty. Having a comprehensive definition of slut may alleviate some of the term’s destructive effects on women.