In general terms, when people refer to someone as a “degenerate” in society, they’re describing a person seen as having declined from what is considered a moral, cultural, or social standard.

It’s usually a judgmental label, implying that the person:

• Rejects or disregards accepted norms of behavior.

• Engages in habits or lifestyles viewed as corrupt, reckless, or self-destructive (e.g., chronic substance abuse, crime, gambling, promiscuity).

• Prioritizes pleasure, vice, or idleness over responsibility, productivity, or integrity.

• Shows a lack of moral restraint or respect for rules and traditions.

The word has a heavy negative connotation, and its meaning can shift depending on the speaker’s values. For example, one person might call a gambler or party-goer a “degenerate,” while another might use it jokingly for someone who stays up all night gaming.

With this being said, you ultimately define and label your degeneracy accordingly to your perception of the term. Own it with pride. You are different and unashamed of it.