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

Related Words

• manly
• masculine