Definition

1. Adjective:

   • (Of a person, especially a lesbian or gay man) Having an appearance, manner, or style traditionally or stereotypically associated with masculinity. This usage often describes a person who presents themselves in a way that is considered typically male.
   • (Informal, of a man) Markedly or exaggeratedly masculine in appearance, manner, or style.

2. Noun:

   • (Slang, often offensive) A lesbian who is noticeably masculine in appearance and manner. This term can be considered derogatory or reductive when used by outsiders but may be used within some LGBTQ+ communities as a self-identifier.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:
  • She has a very butch style, with short hair and often wears suits.
  • His butch demeanor made him stand out in the crowd.
• Noun:
  • The term "butch" has a complex history within lesbian subculture. (Note: Here it is used as a concept, not as a direct address, which is less likely to cause offense.)
  • Using "butch" as a noun to describe someone can be offensive if you are not part of that community.

Advanced Usage

• "Butch-femme": Refers to a historical and cultural dynamic within some lesbian relationships and communities, where one partner adopts a more masculine (butch) presentation and the other a more feminine (femme) presentation.
  • Butch-femme roles were particularly visible in mid-20th century lesbian bars.
• "Stone butch": A specific identity within butch lesbian culture, often referring to someone who is butch-identified and may have specific boundaries regarding physical intimacy.
  • The novel explores the life of a stone butch in the 1950s.

Variants and Related Words

• Butchness (n): The quality or state of being butch.
  • Her butchness is an integral part of her identity.
• Butchy (adj, informal): Somewhat butch in appearance or manner.
  • He has a butchy swagger when he walks.

Synonyms

• Adjective: Masculine, mannish (often dated and potentially pejorative when applied to women), tomboyish (usually for girls or young women).
• Noun: (None are direct synonyms due to the specific cultural context; potential related terms include dyke, which is also a reclaimed slur with complex usage.)

Important Usage Notes

• Sensitivity: The noun form, particularly when used by people outside the LGBTQ+ community, is often considered offensive and reductive. It reduces a person's identity to a stereotype.
• Reclaimed Term: Within many lesbian and queer communities, "butch" is a proud and positive identity label when used as self-description or by in-group members. The adjective is generally less charged than the noun.
• Context is Key: Whether the term is appropriate or offensive depends entirely on the speaker, the context, the relationship to the person described, and the intent.

Adjective

1. (of male or female homosexuals) characterized by stereotypically male traits or appearance
2. used of men; markedly masculine in appearance or manner

Noun

1. (slang) offensive term for a lesbian who is noticeably masculine