The Lesbian Dictionary

For years Lesbians and other members of our colourful community have some wonderful terms of 'endearment' for each other, I thought I would explore some of these terms and deffinitions.

"Androgyny"
Definition: means to have both male and female characteristics. (An example would be Shane from the popular series The L word.)

"Boi"
Definition: For lesbians, a boi is a woman who is biologically female, but has a boyish appearance or presentation. A boi may be lesbian identified or s/he may be trans identified. For gay men a boi is a gay man who is boyish or young in appearance or identity.

"Baby Dyke"
Definition: A young lesbian or someone who is just coming out of the closet. ( and these girls are really young - from the ages of 14 - 23 years old - they usually hang out at clubs and wear funky hats and ties - fashion to be discussed in my next article)

"Bi-Curious"
Definition: To be bi-curious is to be questioning your sexual orientation. You're not sure if you are bisexual, but you have a curiosity about it. You're openly questioning if you are bisexual or not. ( some bi-curious girls seem to want the already "out" lesbian to have a threesome with her boyfriend and some have a habit or teasing us "out" lesbians and playing games)

Bisexual"
Definition: A person who is sexually and emotionally attracted to both women and men.
(i.e. a girl who has a 100% chance of getting laid!)

"Bulldagger"
Definition: This is a term that was used in the 1920s to define a very butch lesbian. Often Africian American. (not a common term these days)

Bulldyke"
Definition: A very masculine lesbian. Considered offensive by some.
Diesel Dyke would be the more common word - still offensive

Dyke"
Definition: Another word for lesbian. Usually is only used by people who are gay, lesbian, bisexual or trans. A straight person using this word may offend some people.
some people like this term, others don't - I like the term to describe myself and make light of my sexuality, or sometimes use it in causticly and sarcasticly.

"Butch"
Definition: A woman who adopts what would be considered masculine characteristics.

the opposite;

"Femme"
Definition: A feminine lesbian.

usually spotted together, however in this new millenium the new lesbians do not conform to lables and some actually do act and think out the box!

"Lipstick Lesbian"
Definition: A lipstick lesbian is a woman who loves other women, but also loves her clothes and makeup and shoes. She tends to dress on the femmy side.

"Drag King"
Definition: A drag king is a woman who dresses to look like a man, usually for performance. Drag kings are often lesbian, but not always. ( much like the "Drag Queen" described for the boys")

"Cross-dresser" or "transvestite"
Definition: A person who sometimes wears the clothing and aesthetics of a gender other than the one they typically wear in their daily lives.

"Gaydar"
Definition: The ability to determine who is and isn't gay is called gaydar.
Examples: "My gaydar must be off," Joan said. "I totally thought Portia de Rossi was straight." ( ha ha ha - as if!! )

"Girl Crush"
Definition: A Girl Crush is when two women have strong feelings for one another, but not in a sexual way. A Girl Crush is strong infatuation that one woman has for another woman who seems beautiful, sophisticated, charming or accomplished. It usually refers to heterosexual women. -(or 2 heterosexual women!)

"Gold Star Lesbian"
Definition: A gold star lesbian is a lesbian who has never slept with a man and has no intention of ever sleeping with a man. (you go girl!)

"Hasbian"
Definition: A hasbian is a woman who used to identify as a lesbian and date women, but is now dating men. ( e.g. Ellen's ex or the ex before that.....forgot her name!)

"What is a Pillow Queen?"
Definition: A Pillow Queen is someone who likes to be on the receiving end of sex. She likes to be pleasured and not reciprocate. Also Known As: Bottom

"Stone Butch Lesbian"
Definition: A stone butch is a lesbian who gets her pleasure from pleasing her partner. She does not like to be touched sexually. sometimes known as: Top

"Power Dyke"
Definition: A Power Dyke is a lesbian who has gained a position of power, either within the LGBT community, or in the world at large. She could be the head of a non-profit agency, a politician or successful in business. ( Think of Bette in The L Word)

"Stud Lesbian"
Definition: A dominant lesbian, usually butch, often African American.

Other:
"Trannydyke or Tranny Dyke"
Definition: A trannydyke is a transgender person who is attracted to women or people with a feminine gender presentation.

"Transgender"
Definition: A person whose gender expression is different from how society says they are "supposed" to be. Transgender can be an umbrella term for cross-dressers, transsexuals, intersex people and other gender-variant individuals. Transgender people may or may not decide to take hormones or have sex-reassignment surgery.

"Intersex"
Definition: A person born with ambiguous genitalia or genitalia of both sexes. Used to be called Hermaphrodite.

Then the terms that you will hear in both male and female community are:

"Homophobia"
Definition: Fear or dislike of gay, lesbian and bisexual people.

"Out of the Closet"
Definition: Being open about one's sexual orientation.

"Sexual Orientation"
Definition: Who you are attracted to. Can be gay, straight, lesbian or bisexual.

I would love to know if there are any more 'girl' terms!