Is there a difference between being a slut and being promiscuous?
If there is, where is the boundary?
If there isn't, why does "slut" sound so much worse?
Because it is a four letter word found more in street parlance while promiscuous is a long, hard to spell word that is more likely to be seen in writing than casual conversation? Much like the difference between "fuck" and "intercourse". Both refer the same act but one is definitely more colloquial and "dirtier". Also, slut can more specifically mean "prostitute" rather than just "promiscuous person" so picks up disrepute from that association. Whether prostitutes should be seen as more disreputable than other promiscuous persons is a whole other issue (I don't think so), but they often are.
Just some quick thoughts with no research behind them beyond life experience.
To be truthful I did not think about it. Again it seems with have to label something. Why?
This is just a general thought regarding both terms. They probably denote or connote the same thing. I just find it incredibly interesting that the sense of the word promiscuous is more general and less gender specific where as the term slut is usually associated with females. And of course therefore it carries a far more pejorative sound and sense. Imagine the conversation, "Well you know Pete, that bitch is nothing but a slut." Of course that is Pete and Joe, or whomever. Now imagine the conversation in mixed company. "Well, you know, *significant looks to the mixed company, "she is rather promiscuous." Of course that is just a musing type of thought. I am not suggesting that gay men don't call each other sluts, (since i have never heard two gay men talk about another man to each other.) I think the definition of the two terms is more gender oriented that's all. In other words, i agree with the first definition in the postings. There is of course another sense. And that is when one is judging someone on the basis of their sexual conduct. Then the term becomes more a term that suggests that the other is far worse than the one who is judging. Sort of encased in hypocrisy. lol
Neither. Both of them sound like judgements.
Promiscuous means you love sex, are somewhat discerning but you go out and get randoms.
Slut means you just don't give a damn.
But my favorite was my ex English boyfriend who said a 'Slag' was a girl who would fuck a guy at a club and then take another one home.
I presently believe the difference is this:
A slut is promiscuous.
Not all promiscuous people are sluts.
Therefore, some promiscuous people are not sluts.
So they are different. I believe a slut is someone who is promiscuous without consideration for the consequences...which could hurt someone and not just others too.
A promiscuous person is someone who engages in sex acts that far exceed the societal norm they dwell in, sometimes hoping to achieve something buy it.
Could that be it?
I agree with the overall consensus so far.
I believe a person who is promiscuous likes sex and is not in any long term committed relationships. They may date and have sex with people, but they are a bit more picky in who they do have sex with, and tend to not see multiple people in the same period of time. There is still some "connection" on more than a sexual level that is made in most cases (but not always).
A slut on the other hand is not that picky in who they have sex with, how often, or even if they are having sex with more than one person in the same general time period. A slut does not need any mental connection and tends to just screw the latest(s) target of opportunity.
if I have to say one or the other....slut
I think there's a difference. To me someone who is promiscuous likes sex and is willing to have it with whoever they want, without any entanglements or commitment. And whoever they decide to sleep with knows it's just about physical enjoyment. If it happens once or a hundred times, it's all good and fun. No commitments have been made and both parties know it.
Slut can fall into a couple categories. One is a person that's in a committed/monogamous relationship but has sex outside of that relationship behind the gf/bf back. Cheating. Sleeping with someone while breaking the trust of another.
Or a person that is sleeping with someone not because they want to but rather for some personal gain. Especially if the slut is leading the other person on to believe that it's more than just sex. Sleeping with a boss, coworker, or client to get a raise or promotion, then cutting them off once the raise/promotion is gained. Using someone at the expense of their personal well being in order to profit for yourself.. that's slutty.
When the debate is lost, slander becomes the tool of the loser. Socrates