Slut. What a nasty word. You often hear it on college campuses. But in today’s sexually liberated atmosphere (read: pro-sex), the true meaning has become all but obsolete. Is being a slut really about a number or an attitude?

Dictionary.com describes a slut as, duh, ‘a woman who is sexually promiscuous.’ That’s a pretty vague description, considering that ‘promiscuous’ can be achieved with ill-advised hook-ups during a freshman year. With such a negative connotation, ’slut’ usually doesn’t show up between ’spontaneous’ and ‘liberal’ on online profiles.

So what do we mean when we label that party girl a ’slut?’ And how can we be sure? How many partners does it take to become a slut? And how do you know if you are one? The easy answer is this: Being a slut (and protecting yourself from the snickers and lewd comments it inspires) is an attitude.

Even Dictionary.com offers a clue. The second definition of ’slut’ is more relevant to the average college girl: ‘a slovenly woman; an untidy, dirty woman.’ Although it’s doubtful that having dirt under your fingernails will gain you scorn from other women, acting slovenly ‘ a.k.a. ’slutty’ ‘ is the real reason women gain a less-than-glowing reputation.

Another reason that a woman is called a slut is because she’s a flirt, and a darned good one. In other words, men like them, and other women are jealous. Thus, as in most matters involving the heart ‘ or body, rather ‘ discretion is key. By acting respectably, no one will blame you for that stranger who followed you home last night ‘ and you’ll be lucky enough to enjoy the benefits!