Butch Dyke

Butch dyke describes a lesbian who identifies strongly with masculine gender expression, often including short hair, masculine clothing, and an assertive presence. The word "dyke" began as a slur, shortened from "bulldyke," a term with roots among Black queer women used for masculine-presenting lesbians. Over time many lesbians reclaimed it as a badge of pride, solidarity, and power. Pairing "butch" with "dyke" doubles down on that reclamation, naming both a gender presentation and a defiant sense of identity. Butch dykes have been visible and politically active in lesbian and feminist movements for decades. Because "dyke" can still be used as an insult, it is generally embraced within the community rather than applied to others casually.