i have never viewed the word 'slut' as a bad word, even before i became involved with a Dom...He taught me that there was a whole 'slut system'...for example, in His world, according to Him, there were 'pain sluts' (girls who really wanted pain and nothing else), 'cum sluts', whose focus was eating cum, 'bondage sluts', who of course liked to be tied up, etc., even though they may have enjoyed/engaged in other activities.
of course, in the throes of sexual excitement or subbie space, that word is thrilling and pushes you further, and even when i am not playing, i never mind being called 'slut'.
i was never called 'whore' and don't think i would like it if i were, because whores are very mercenary and deliberate and don't get any pleasure out of serving men. (although maybe 'cockwhore' would be ok). sometimes i like 'little bitch' as in 'you're my good little bitch, aren't you' although i like 'slut' best, and do not see it as degrading or demeaning. i don't like the word 'cunt' too much, especially being called that (which i have never been called either).