butch
butch Lexical Profile
butch Game Scores & Validity
• adjective
Having an appearance, style, or demeanor traditionally associated with masculinity (frequently used of a woman or within LGBTQ+ culture).
"She preferred a butch aesthetic, often wearing tailored suits and keeping her hair cropped short."
• noun
A lesbian or queer person whose gender expression, dress, and demeanor are predominantly masculine.
"The documentary explored the history of working-class butches and femmes in 1950s bar culture."
American A very short haircut in which the hair on the top of the head is clipped close to the scalp.
"Before summer camp started, his father took him to the barbershop for a neat butch."
• verb
To make someone or something appear more masculine or tough (usually used with 'up').
"The actor was asked to butch up his demeanor for the role of the rugged detective."
Word Nuance & Usage
Within LGBTQ+ communities, 'butch' is widely used as an affirming, self-identified gender expression (often contrasted with 'femme'), though it can carry derogatory connotations when used by outsiders to mock a woman's appearance.
• Rhymes for butch
Word Origin & Etymology
Originated in early 20th-century American English, likely as a shortened form of 'butcher' used as a nickname for tough boys (popularized by the nickname of outlaw George 'Butch' Cassidy).