Dirty clap is a slang term that refers to a sexually transmitted infection (STI), such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, or syphilis. It implies that someone contracted an STI through unprotected sex. The term is considered derogatory and stigmatizing towards people with STIs.
Where does the term “dirty clap” come from?
The word “clap” has been used as slang for gonorrhea since the 18th century. It refers to the painful burning sensation felt when urinating, which is a common symptom of gonorrhea. The term “dirty” was later added to emphasize that it’s a sexually transmitted disease contracted through unclean or immoral behavior.
The earliest known use of the full phrase “dirty clap” appeared in the 1938 book “The American Language” by H.L. Mencken, which documented American colloquial speech. However, the term did not become widely used until the 1960s and 70s during the sexual revolution when rates of STIs increased significantly.
What STIs are associated with “dirty clap”?
While originally referring just to gonorrhea, “dirty clap” is now used more broadly to describe any STI spread through sexual contact:
- Chlamydia – A bacterial infection often asymptomatic but can cause pain and discharge.
- Gonorrhea – A bacterial infection causing discharge, burning urination, and abdominal pain.
- Syphilis – A bacterial infection that starts with sores then progresses to rash if left untreated.
- Trichomoniasis – A common parasitic infection causing itching, burning, and discharge.
- Genital herpes – A viral infection characterized by recurrent painful blisters.
- Genital warts – Caused by HPV and result in soft, skin-colored growths.
- HIV – The virus that causes AIDS, it weakens the immune system over time.
So any STI could be shamed as “dirty clap” by someone seeking to cast blame for the infection. However, the most common STIs associated with the slang term are chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis.
Why is “dirty clap” an inappropriate term?
There are several reasons why “dirty clap” promotes harmful attitudes about STIs:
- It stigmatizes people with STIs by implying they are dirty or unclean.
- It suggests people with STIs are immoral or got what they deserved.
- It contains victim-blaming by placing blame on those infected.
- It judges people’s sexual choices as good or bad.
- It treats STIs as something to be ashamed of rather than a medical condition.
- It contributes to the spread of STIs by discouraging testing and treatment.
For these reasons, public health experts recommend avoiding language that shames those with STIs. It promotes harmful attitudes, increases stigma, and is counterproductive to controlling the spread of infections.
What are better terms to use?
Instead of using slang like “dirty clap,” it’s preferable to use medical terms like:
- Sexually transmitted infection (STI)
- Sexually transmitted disease (STD)
- The specific name of the infection – chlamydia, gonorrhea, etc.
These terms are descriptive without attaching judgement. They focus on the medical facts rather than blaming those infected.
If someone discloses they have an STI, it’s important to respond with empathy, support, and avoid shaming them. Validate it was brave of them to share sensitive health information. Reinforce that STIs are common, treatable conditions. Avoid terms like “dirty” that promote harmful attitudes.
Key facts on common STIs:
Here are some key statistics on the most prevalent STIs to understand their frequency and impact on public health:
| STI | New Cases (US) | Symptoms | Effects if Untreated |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chlamydia | 1.7 million | Often none, sometimes discharge or burning urination | Pelvic inflammatory disease, infertility |
| Gonorrhea | 500,000 | Burning urination, discharge, abdominal pain | Pelvic inflammatory disease, infertility |
| Syphilis | 35,000 | Painless sores, rash, flu symptoms | Neurological & heart damage, blindness, death |
| Trichomoniasis | 3.7 million | Itching, burning, smelly discharge | Preterm birth, low birth weight |
| Genital Herpes | 1 million | Blisters, ulcers, itching, pain | Recurring flare-ups |
| HPV (warts) | 14 million | Genital warts | Cervical cancer |
Key points:
- STIs affect tens of millions of Americans each year and are very common.
- Many STIs do not cause noticeable symptoms but can still cause long-term health effects.
- Left untreated, even common STIs like chlamydia and gonorrhea can have serious consequences for fertility and pregnancy.
- Routine STI testing and prompt treatment are essential to prevent transmission and negative health impacts.
Who is at risk for STIs?
Any sexually active person who has contact with an infected partner’s fluids or skin can contract an STI. Factors that increase risk include:
- Unprotected sex without barriers such as condoms
- Multiple or concurrent sexual partners
- History of previous STIs
- Younger age (15-24 years old)
- Males who have sex with males (higher risk for HIV and syphilis)
However, STIs can affect anyone. Long-term mutually monogamous partners who always use protection are at lower risk but not immune if previous infections went undetected or untreated.
Routine STI testing is recommended for all sexually active individuals and should not imply anything negative about someone’s character or choices.
How can the spread of STIs be reduced?
Public health strategies to reduce STI transmission include:
- Promoting open discussion and education about sexual health
- Increasing access to condoms and teaching correct use
- Making STI testing easy, affordable, and non-judgemental
- Streamlining partner notification when positive cases are identified
- Rapid treatment with antibiotics or antivirals
- Researching vaccines for infections like HIV and HPV
On an individual level, people can reduce risk by:
- Using condoms correctly every time for penetrative sex
- Limiting partners and avoiding concurrent partners
- Talking openly with partners about STI history and testing
- Getting regularly tested if sexually active, at least yearly
- Getting the HPV vaccine if eligible
But avoiding stigmatizing language like “dirty clap” is also key. This promotes testing and treatment instead of hiding symptoms out of shame.
Conclusion
“Dirty clap” is an outdated and stigmatizing slang term for sexually transmitted infections like chlamydia, gonorrhea and syphilis. With millions of new STI cases each year in the U.S., these common conditions should be discussed openly and avoided shaming those infected.
It’s important to use neutral medical language for STIs instead of slang terms that attach negative moral judgement. Everyone should learn the key facts, risks factors, symptoms and long-term health impacts of untreated STIs. Proper condom use, regular testing, and early treatment can reduce transmission rates and prevent serious consequences of these extremely prevalent infections.