Redefine and Resist: The Slut Walk and the Appropriation of the Oppressive Denomination

Abstract

This work, based on Critical Sociolinguistics and on Dialogical Theory of Discourse, analyses the resignification of the oppressor adjective proposed by the Slut Walk movement. Thus, firstly, it is discussed two polemic themes to Sociolinguistics: the right to name and the voluntary resignification. Then, it is verified some aspects of the feminist language, as the valorisation of the use of feminists’ forms and the jargon whilst an exclusion tool. Finally, it is analysed the argumentation of the organizers of the Walk about the conscious appropriation of the oppressor adjective usage (of the term “slut”). It is observed that such adjective, when used by the participants of the Walk, is empty of its original etymologic meanings whilst a racist Brazilian vocabulary (to designate enslaved people) and classist (to designate prostitutes), although it tries to resignificate its macho meaning, related to the promiscuity of the woman.

Keywords

• marcha das vadias
• nomeação
• ressignificação
• sociolinguística