truscum

English

Etymology

Coined in 2012 on Tumblr. Clipping of the derogatory epithet “true transsexual scum”; by surface analysis, tru- (“true, genuine”) +‎ scum. Some early instances also reference similar terms radscum and cis scum, which are possible influences. For additional context, see Citations:truscum.

Pronunciation

IPA^(key): /ˈtruːˌskʌm/, (rare) /ˈtrʌskəm/
Audio (US): (file)

Noun

truscum (plural truscum)

(slang, usually derogatory) A person who believes that gender dysphoria is an essential trait to being transgender.
Synonyms: transmedicalist, transmed

Antonym: tucute (slang)
- 2013, Alexander Wijnants, "Identity of Neurology Social Media and the Politician versus Medicalization of Trans People", Synaesthesia: Communication Across Cultures, ISSN 1883-5953, Volume 1, Number 4, Spring 2013, page 131:
  The term 'truscum', meant to be an epithet directed at the medicalization supporters, came into usage through an often-referenced post by tumblr user transstingray [... in 2012] a 'truscum' individual believes that all trans people should identify as transsexual, identify within the binary, use only male or female pronouns […] . The term is derived from 'true transsexual' and 'scum' […] . Although 'truscum' was originally meant to be a derogatory term, it has since been reclaimed and redefined to mean an individual who believes that one needs to experience sex-based dysphoria in order to be trans, and that transsexualism is a medical condition. It has now transcended its original purpose and has become a term with which the supporters of medicalization identify themselves.
- 2013, Alexander Wijnants, "Identity of Neurology Social Media and the Politician versus Medicalization of Trans People", Synaesthesia: Communication Across Cultures, ISSN 1883-5953, Volume 1, Number 4, Spring 2013, page 134:
  The truscum, or medical supporters, use basic, non-radical goals and a reliance on empirical evidence to develop and support a self-concept of being the more rational and realistic group within the debate.
- 2014, Zoe Kilbourn, "PSA, UWU: Tumblr, Gender, and Gaga", Pelican (University of Western Australia), Volume 85, Edition 6, circa September 2014, page 9:
  That, in summary, is the tone taken by the very recently developed factions of quote unquote social justice warriors, trans and trans* activists, truscum, radfems; […]
- 2015, Henrx Holmes, "Unmanned", No HeterOx (Oxford, UK), page 7 (approx.):
  Even among wonderful and truscum-battling friends I still avoid the label trans, instead occasionally asking for 'they' pronouns to be used and trying to talk of men as an outsider.

Related terms

trutrans

Translations

French: truscum