TERF

[turf]

noun

Disparaging.

1. trans-exclusionary radical feminist: an advocate of radical feminism who does not believe that transgender people's gender identities are legitimate, and who is hostile to the inclusion of trans women in the feminist movement.

Word History and Origins

Origin of TERF¹

Coined in 2008 by Australian feminist writer Viv Smythe as “a deliberately technically neutral description”

Example Sentences

Boyne described himself as a "fellow Terf" - which stands for trans-exclusionary radical feminist - and said Rowling had been "pilloried" for her stance.

From BBC

Ms Bird said she was called "an Illiberal Terf", suspended from the Lib Dems and banned from standing as an MP for a decade.

From BBC

Terf stands for trans-exclusionary radical feminist.

From BBC

Grover is a self-declared ‘TERF’ - an acronym that stands for “trans-exclusionary radical feminist.”

From BBC

Rowling, whom trans activists have accused of being a trans exclusionary radical feminist, also known as a TERF.

From Los Angeles Times

When To Use

What does TERF mean?

TERF is an acronym for "trans-exclusionary radical feminism" or "trans-exclusionary radical feminist."