femme

Or fem

[fem]

noun

1. 1. a lesbian who embraces identity markers that are associated with traditional expressions of femininity, as clothing, hairstyle, interests, or behaviors.

   2. a gay man who embraces identity markers that are associated with traditional expressions of femininity.

   3. any person who adopts a feminine appearance, manner, or persona.

adjective

1. noting or relating to a feminine style or gender expression.

femme

/ fam, fɛm /

noun

1. a woman or wife

2. a lesbian who adopts a feminine role in a relationship

Word History and Origins

Origin of femme¹

First recorded in 1930–35; from French: literally “woman”; feme

Example Sentences

Mechanic Shop Femme’s Guide to Car Ownership – I’m definitely biased with this gift recommendation, but can you blame me?

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I wrote “Mechanic Shop Femme’s Guide to Car Ownership” to help the average car owner get a handle on all things cars.

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They thought I was guilty of the highest heresy in the all-powerful Church of Fourth-Wave Feminism — choosing a straight man over your femme friends.

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Pierre Renoir’s Maigret is stoical and efficient, and will not be vamped by Winna Winifried’s peculiar femme fatale, as hard as she tries.

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From the opener of “La Femme d’Argent,” lifted by Godin’s nimble basslines, the vibes were, as they say, immaculate.

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Related Words

• girl 
• mother