Wordslut: A Feminist Guide to Taking Back the English Language

For many, the term "bitch" evokes a variety of imagery, but it is often used to describe a nasty lady. The term "bitch" originally meant "genitalia," and it had no bearing on gender at all until it was used to refer to a female dog. Many other phrases, such as "hussy," which simply meant "housewife," and "slut," which meant "untidy" and was also used to characterise males, are examples of completely innocent words becoming into derogatory labels directed at women. These are just a few of the many derogatory remarks made against women throughout English history.

Amanda Montell, feminist linguist and staff features editor at online beauty and health magazine Byrdie.com, deconstructs language—from insults and cursing to grammar and pronunciation patterns—to reveal the ways it has been used for centuries to keep women form gaining equality. Ever wonder why so many people are annoyed when women use the word “like” as a filler? Or why certain gender neutral terms stick and others don’t? or even the way that linguists have traditionally spoken about the speech patterns of women? Wordslut is not a stuffy academic study; instead, Montell's infectious humour makes linguistics not only accessible but also profoundly funny and plain hilarious.