butch

Estimated CEFR level: C2 — Proficiency

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

noun (slang) offensive term for a lesbian who is noticeably masculine
adjective used of men; markedly masculine in appearance or manner
adjective (of male or female homosexuals) characterized by stereotypically male traits or appearance

Originally, it was probably used as an abbreviation of butcher. Later, in the 1940s, the sense of “masculine lesbian” developed.

Remember their names,--Keen-Point, Cob-Handle, and Butch. — Little Mr. Thimblefinger and His Queer Country, Joel Chandler Harris
But I advise you to find a nice butch somewhere and set up housekeeping in the Village. — I am a woman, Ann Bannon
"I had just one thin dime left," said Scandalous, "and I explained my predicament to the butch, saying as how I wanted what was the most filling thing he had for the price--and he offered me a sack of peanuts!" — From Place to Place, Irvin S. (Irvin Shrewsbury) Cobb

dike, dyke

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