Words from the WordSlut

Just the other day, I was scrolling through my Instagram feed when I abruptly stopped on one picture. In sky blue letters, the title “Wordslut” was scrawled across the front cover of a bright yellow book, a self-described “feminist guide to taking back the English language.”

I was intrigued to say the least and immediately ordered the book. But, I was also deeply puzzled.

Taking back the English language? I thought we all “owned” the English language. 

After reading Wordslut myself and interviewing its author, Amanda Montell, I can easily say that we should all “own” our native language by intentionally and consciously choosing our words. Instead of saying “girlboss,” why don’t we just call women “bosses?” Last I checked, anyone can be a boss, regardless of what gender they identify with. Simple phrasing changes can vastly change the undertones of our messages, which can often hold deeply rooted connotations.

Montell is an alumna of New York University with a BA in linguistics and a minor in creative writing. Throughout her years at NYU, Montell sought to “marry” her linguistic degree with her creative minor by interning and attending literary events. However, she always maintained her long-term goal: writing a book. Post grad, Montell moved to LA – despite being told to stay in New York – and started her job search. Before landing a job at Byrdie Beauty, a division of Clique Media, she constantly took on whatever writing online editorial jobs she could and attended literary events around the area. She slowly found herself building connections inside the literary world of LA – the type of connections she left back in New York. Montell felt she had soemthing to prove, and she did. 

“You can have a robust editorial or literary career in LA,” Montell emphasized. 

After her time at Clique Media and as a features editor for Byrdie/Who What Wear, Montell found herself talking to a literary agent. Her “word vomit” eventually lead to the birth of Wordslut.

First, a quick synopsis. I would describe Wordslut as a well-informed, 288-page dinner conversation about the words we use daily and the meanings that really hide behind them. The conversation contains enough humor to carry you through dessert, but its weight stays at the table even after your plates get bussed. 

In describing the tone of Wordslut, Montell explains, “It was so important to me to have a levity and a curiosity and a nerdiness, but not a pretentiousness…and humor, but also to take the topic as seriously as it deserves to be taken.”  

Her intelligent writing and well-versed array of facts prompts a conversation about how language can, in fact, still be sexist or degrading towards females without an overtly aggressive tone.

It was easy for me to read between the lines and see Montell’s argument, yet she never places blame or attacks anyone for the facts she puts forth. Montell makes her viewpoint clear while still leaving enough room for the reader to form their own opinion.

“I don't need to be angry because the facts speak for themselves,” Montell explained. 

She creates a learning community, of sorts, in the book due to her belief that, without coming from a place of empathy, understanding, and genuine curiosity, it’s hard to get people to listen. I personally felt like I was in a discussion with Montell while reading WordSlut. However, her footnotes and use of outside research made the book feel more educational than a conversation I would have with friends. Hence, Montell crafted this learning environment to guide us through.

If you look closely, the footnotes are where Montell’s anecdotes really come to life. The footnotes were debatably my favorite part of Wordslut; they made dry facts come to life on paper. On page 11, Montell inserts a feminist riddle in the footnotes, and on page 36, Montell adds commentary from Betty White to further demonstrate how female and male body part lingo is often used as a metaphor for weakness” and “strength.” 

As I read the book, I kept finding more and more ways I as an individual, female, and human being could reclaim words in the English language. For example, we women can reclaim the term “bitch” as a derogatory name hurled at us as an insult of character to instead be a compliment given to friends – praise for an inner strength and not caring about what others think about you. I believe that with inclusive language, our surroundings may form into a more inclusive community as well. 

“I as a person am so excited, curious and angry and all those things about these topics,” Montell told me. “I am at once this lighthearted nerd and this feminist thinker. But there is a time and place for anger and raising your voice.” 

Montell also recognizes that there is also a time and place to find reflection, new knowledge, and ways to grow as individuals. 

Through Montell’s use of alternating serious discussions with light humor, I learned that we can all create productive and meaningful connections about any topic. So, let’s talk about the sexualization of the peach. 

Since Wordslut was originally published in May 2019, Montell has gone a small book tour, recently started freelancing on a Wordslut “TV development deal,” and started writing her second book, Mindf*ck: The Secret Language of Cults (Spoiler: You’re Already Using It), which explores how cults (think anything from Scientology to SoulCycle) use language to brainwash us. 

Speed Round Q&A

HW: What advice would you give recently graduated writers?

AM: Leave the house. You don't have to start by getting your dream job by starting at The New Yorker. It does not mean you are a failure it means you are starting somewhere. Dream big but step small. 

HW: What aspirations do you hold for your future as a writer, a human being, and cat mom?

AM: It would be a dream to have the Wordslut TV adaptation picked up. I would love to have one of my books become a New York Times bestseller. I just moved into my dream house in Silver Lake, California. This house really feels like a physical manifestation of all the cool things that have been going on. I let one of my acts out for a supervised romp the other day and he was living his best life. In 2020, I would love to take another little sabbatical. I have some volunteer engagements to not always feel like I am taking from the world but also giving back.

HW: Last word?

AM: Love the name of your brand Coven. I stand you all, go on and prosper, I believe in all of you.

By Harper Wayne

BU Student, self-published author, and an enthusiastic thrifter with a soft spot for rainy days.

Photography by Amanda Montell