‘Cruel connotation’ – Nigella removes term ‘slut’ from old recipe

Celebrated international TV chef Nigella Lawson has evolved with the times and removed what has always been considered a derogatory term; the word ‘slut.’

Nigella posted her recipes of the day this week – Ruby Red Raspberries in Chardonnay Jelly on her Twitter account, the Daily Mail reported.

But fans noticed the recipe first appeared in her 2002 cookbook, Forever Summer as Slut Red Raspberries in Chardonnay Jelly. 

However, Christine Hewes asked why the “hilarious” original slur wasn’t kept.

Nigella replied saying the word slut now has a “cruel connotation”.

“I feel that the word has taken on a coarser, more cruel connotation, and I’m not happy with that,” she wrote.

Merriam Webster defines slut as “disparaging, offensive: a promiscuous person: someone who has many sexual partners —usually used of a woman.”

However, the power of the word has been taken back by some feminists. “Slut Walks” have become prominent in recent years, with the aim to re-appropriate the derogatory term to empower women.

Nigella’s decision was documented in her latest book, Cook, Eat, Repeat: Ingredients, Recipes and Stories. The book is a narrative essay of some recipes that have evolved in meaning.

She said the book is a reflection of her life, now 61 years old, the food writer has many stories to tell.

“‘Food, for me, is a constant pleasure: I like to think greedily about it, reflect deeply on it, learn from it; it provides comfort, inspiration, meaning and beauty, as well as sustenance and structure. More than just a mantra, “cook, eat, repeat” is the story of my life.”

“I’m so happy about this. It’s full of the food that brings me great joy, and it is such a pleasure to share it with you,” she said.

Compiled by Sandisiwe Mbhele