butch

¹

[ booch ]

noun

1. Slang.
   1. 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

   2. a gay man who embraces identity markers that are associated with normative expressions of masculinity.
   3. any person who adopts a masculine appearance, manner, or persona.
2. Informal. butch haircut.

adjective

1. Slang.
   1. (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.

   2. (of a boy or man) decidedly masculine in manner or appearance.

Butch

²

[ booch ]

noun

1. a male given name.

butch

/ bʊtʃ /

adjective

1. (of a woman or man) markedly or aggressively masculine

noun

1. a lesbian who is noticeably masculine
2. a strong rugged man

Word History and Origins

Origin of butch¹

First recorded in 1940–45; apparently from the proper name

Word History and Origins

Origin of butch¹

C18: back formation from butcher

Example Sentences

She told a story of a fellow employee who identifies as a butch dyke (a lesbian who takes on a more masculine identity).

From The Daily Beast

Haute Butch is one of a number of new design houses targeting the trans, butch, and androgynous dressers.

From The Daily Beast

[Haute Butch] is stepping into that area with such confidence and they are so non-apologetic.

From The Daily Beast

Sports stars going on Dancing with the Stars who are big, butch, and energetic are talking about how exhausting it is.

From The Daily Beast

But when Tarantino cast Travolta, he thought Willis would make a good Butch Coolidge.

From The Daily Beast

Of course 'Butch' is more in keeping, but I do believe that Christian adds to his dignity in spite of his ears.

From Project Gutenberg

His immediate superior was "Butch," but his ultimate superior was Mr. Cressy, the steward; and to him he now went.

From Project Gutenberg

Their first endeavor was to capture "Butch" McCoy, the leader of the gang.

From Project Gutenberg

"Why don't yer hide yer fat carcass," sung out Butch' in fierce wrath.

From Project Gutenberg

The fatigue of the past two days and night had kept me somewhat in the rear of the party, with Butch' and "Fatty."

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• manly
• masculine