What is this word 'slag'?

One word. Numerous meanings.

It seems to me there's a lot of people defining this word with no real basis or grounding. It's bandied about wily-nily, which annoys me as it's a word steeped in misjudgement and repression.

'Slag' is often used as the ultimate weapon against a woman. Even in jest, it has a strength and bitter quality intended to wound.

I think it's time we set some things straight as to what constitutes 'slag' – if, indeed, you could ever pin the word down to having a neatly defined meaning.

A single girl with no commitments, financial or otherwise, has the right to sexual pleasure with another who consents and is not in a relationship with others. If two people are having responsible, adult fun, then what is the problem?

You'll note that I said responsible. There is never an excuse for not using a condom or other contraceptives, for example, the Pill. If you are above a certain age and it is possible that you could have a child, you should take steps to prevent this.

But for simply enjoying yourself and being (here's another word laced with sin) promiscuous? Why does this make you a slag? That suggests that something so bad has taken place, the woman should be condemned.

What I do find morally questionable, however, is when people who know they could have an STI have sex without a condom anyway. That's just unfair and cruel. But men do this as well as women – but what do you call a male slag? Oh yes. 'Geezer'.

Double standards have existed for as long as humans, especially where females' sexual morality is concerned. But I'm fed up of hearing the word slag directed at anyone who is liberated and pursuing no strings fun. Men have done it for years. People need to stop freaking out when women do it.

If you're not hurting anyone mentally or physically, then what's the problem?

Open your minds. Think twice before you call someone a slag. Or at least, don't call her a slag, then wank over her because that's the closest you'll get to touching her. That's just hypocrisy.