Definition & Meaning of "slut"in English

What is the origin of the term "slut" and how is it used?

"Slut" is an English term that dates back to the late Middle Ages (15th–16th centuries), originally meaning a slovenly or untidy woman, with no sexual connotation. By the 17th–18th centuries, its meaning shifted to refer to a woman regarded as sexually promiscuous or morally loose, linking perceived sexual behavior with social judgment. The word has been widely used in literature, everyday speech, and moralistic contexts, historically as a strong insult toward women. Today, it remains highly derogatory in most contexts, though it has been partially reclaimed in some feminist and sex-positive communities to challenge stigma around female sexuality.