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. fɛm 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

Some days it was closer to my ’90s queer teen style and others a ’50s-inspired high femme.

From Los Angeles Times

Some days I returned to my high femme staples, but only when it suited my mood.

From Los Angeles Times

“It felt good to hear music that was current to me from Mexico City,” she says, adding that she also felt safe as a queer femme — a priority for the founders.

From Los Angeles Times

Later that year, she explained her situation in an email to the French magazine Femme Actuelle: “My physical suffering has already been so terrible that I am afraid that death will force me to go through even more physical suffering.”

From Los Angeles Times

The bookshelves are organized with titles such as “Femme Labor,” “Abolish Prisons,” “Español / Spanish” and “Settler Colonialism in Occupied Americas.”

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• girl
• mother