Slattern Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐งน
slattern
[หslรฆtษrn ]
Definitions
derogatory
A dirty, untidy woman.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| slattern |
Used to describe a woman who is very untidy and careless in her appearance and housekeeping, often in a way that suggests moral laxness. This term can carry a negative and disparaging connotation.
|
| slob |
Refers to someone who is lazy and extremely untidy, often in both their personal habits and living spaces. It has a strong negative connotation.
|
| messy person |
A general term for someone who is untidy or disorganized. It lacks the strong negative connotations of other words in this group.
|
| sloven |
Refers to someone, regardless of gender, who is habitually untidy or careless in their appearance or habits. This word is also negative but more gender-neutral compared to 'slattern'.
|
Examples of usage
- She was a slattern who never cleaned up after herself.
- The slattern left dirty dishes all over the house.
- The slattern's appearance was disheveled and unkempt.
- The slattern's unkempt hair and dirty clothes were a sight to behold.
- The slattern's room was a mess of dirty laundry and scattered belongings.
archaic
A woman who is careless and negligent in her personal habits.
Synonyms
careless woman, slovenly woman, untidy woman.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| slattern |
This term is rarely used in modern language and can sound old-fashioned. It has a very negative connotation and is typically used to describe a woman who is consistently dirty and untidy.
|
| untidy woman |
This is a straightforward description of someone who is not neat and organized. Itโs less harsh compared to 'slattern' or 'slovenly woman' and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
|
| slovenly woman |
This term describes someone who is habitually messy and untidy. It has a negative connotation and is often used to criticize someone's appearance or hygiene.
|
| careless woman |
This phrase is used to describe someone who shows a lack of care or attention in various aspects of life, not necessarily in their appearance or cleanliness. Itโs less about being untidy and more about being inattentive or irresponsible.
|
Examples of usage
- The slattern's lack of personal hygiene was evident to all who knew her.
- Back in the 18th century, a slattern was considered a disgrace to her family.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Literature
- Shakespeare used the term in 'Henry IV' to depict characters with unrefined or messy traits.
- In various novels, 'slattern' often describes antagonistic female characters who embody chaos or immorality.
- The word appears in modern literature to critique societal norms surrounding women's appearances and roles.
Societal Views
- Historically, being called a 'slattern' often carried strong social stigma, reflecting gender biases in cleanliness and appearance.
- Contemporary discussions on the term highlight its implications in feminist discourse around body autonomy and standards of beauty.
- In some cultures, the label can still result in social exclusion or judgment based on personal habits or lifestyle choices.
Psychology
- The perception of someone as a 'slattern' can influence people's judgment and interactions, potentially leading to social ostracism.
- Studies suggest that societal standards around tidiness can affect mental health, as clutter is often linked with stress and anxiety.
- Characterizing individuals in derogatory terms can create barriers to understanding broader socio-economic conditions that contribute to their lifestyles.
Pop Culture
- In film and television, slatternly characters are often used for comic relief or as a contrast to more prim and proper personalities.
- Popular songs may use 'slattern' or similar terms to critique societal views or to express themes of rebellion and liberation from conventional standards.
- Online media sometimes reclaims the word, using it in ironic contexts to celebrate messy lifestyles or non-conformity.
Origin of 'slattern'
Main points about word origin
- The term 'slattern' comes from Middle English, evolving from the word 'slat' meaning 'mud' or 'dirt'.
- Its roots trace back to the Old Norse word 'slatr', which means 'careless' or 'untidy'.
- Initially, it referred to a lazy or slovenly man, but over time it became associated mainly with women.
The word 'slattern' originated in the late 16th century and is derived from the Middle English word 'slater', meaning a woman of loose character. Over time, the meaning shifted to refer to a woman who is dirty, untidy, and careless in her personal habits. The term was often used in a derogatory manner to criticize women for their appearance and behavior.