butch

See also Butch

English

Etymology

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

Pronunciation

• (UK) IPA: /bʊtʃ/, SAMPA: /bUtS/
• Rhymes: -ʊtʃ

Adjective

butch (comparative more butch, superlative most butch)

1. (informal, of a man, attitude etc.) Very masculine.
2. (informal, of a woman, especially a lesbian) With a masculine appearance or attitude.

Synonyms

• (of a man): macho, manly
• (of a woman): dykey, mannish, unfeminine

Antonyms

• femme
• (of a man): wuss, wimp

Translations

of a man

Dutch: macho (nl), mannelijk (nl)

Polish: twardziel (pl)

of a woman

Dutch: mannelijk (nl) Finnish: miesmäinen

French: hommasse (fr) m. and f., (slang) camionneuse (fr) f.

Noun

butch (plural butches)

1. (informal) A lesbian who appears masculine or acts in a masculine manner.

Synonyms

• (masculine lesbian): bulldyke, dyke
• See also Wikisaurus:female homosexual

Antonyms

• femme

Translations

masculine lesbian

Dutch: pot (nl) f. Finnish: miesmäinen lesbo

French: gouine (fr) f., (slang) hommasse (fr)