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butch
[ booch ]
/ bʊtʃ /
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noun
Slang.
- a woman or girl, especially one who is LGBTQ+, who embraces identity markers such as clothing, hairstyle, interests, or behaviors that are associated with traditional expressions of masculinity: I settled down with a nice butch and am happily married
- a gay man who embraces identity markers that are associated with normative expressions of masculinity.
- any person who adopts a masculine appearance, manner, or persona.
Informal. butch haircut.
adjective
Slang.
- (of a girl or woman, especially one who is LGBTQ+) having identity markers usually associated with traditional expressions of masculinity: This shirt brand is very popular with my butch lesbian friends.
- (of a boy or man) decidedly masculine in manner or appearance.
QUIZ
WILL YOU SAIL OR STUMBLE ON THESE GRAMMAR QUESTIONS?
Smoothly step over to these common grammar mistakes that trip many people up. Good luck!
Question 1 of 7
Fill in the blank: I can’t figure out _____ gave me this gift.
Compare femme for defs. 1, 3.
Origin of butch
First recorded in 1940–45; apparently from the proper name
Words nearby butch
Other definitions for butch (2 of 2)
Butch
[ booch ]
/ bʊtʃ /
noun
a male given name.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
How to use butch in a sentence
British Dictionary definitions for butch
butch
/ (bʊtʃ) slang /
adjective
(of a woman or man) markedly or aggressively masculine
noun
a lesbian who is noticeably masculine
a strong rugged man
Word Origin for butch
C18: back formation from butcher
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
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