2006-07-02 15:09:53 · 22 answers · asked by Ray L 1 in Society & Culture ➔ Cultures & Groups ➔ Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender
What would be the best way to describe them?
2006-07-02 15:14:23 · update #1
First, the term is dyke... a dike is a wall used to hold water back.
To your question... the term is considered derogatory, but can be used as a term of affection by people in the community, or friends of people in the community (sorta like the N word).
To be as inoffensive as possible in a questionable situation, a more appropriate term is "lesbian" regardless of the physical appearance of the woman in question.
In my experience, though, most such women don't mind being referred to as "butch." That's an adjective, not a noun, generally... so you would say "she is a butch lesbian." Again... know your audience before you whip that one out. :-)
2006-07-02 15:27:57 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 24⤊ 4⤋
Yes. Some lesbians will use the word to describe themselves or friends, like the "n" word among some black crowds. But it is offensive and you shouldn't use it, especially if you don't know the person.
2006-07-02 15:33:25 · answer #2 · answered by Maggie 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
First of all it's spelled 'dyke'....
Second- The word is used in the lesbian community... various social groups use it in different ways. In many cases, it is like the 'n-word' being used in black social situations... it is ok for the people in the social group to use the word, but it is very different coming from an outsider...
2006-07-02 15:17:31 · answer #3 · answered by lilli b 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
a 'dike' is a dam..
a 'dyke' is a lesbian..
how would you like to be called a dam??
but seriously - some lesbians find the term offensive and some don't..
just as some gay men are PO'D by the term 'queer'
2006-07-02 15:13:51 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, very rude!
How would you describe a masculine female (not lesbian)?
2006-07-02 15:14:36 · answer #5 · answered by ? 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Dyke and butch are not nice terms like many of the answers below. And I've seen a few people get their **** kicked for calling a bi a queer.
2006-07-02 18:38:44 · answer #6 · answered by merlinsdragonfire 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Generally, yes.
As long as you think of a group of people as "them", I doubt you'll ever have anything nice to say about any individuals or the group, despite the word you use.
2006-07-02 16:30:58 · answer #7 · answered by question_ahoy 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yeah
2006-07-02 15:43:41 · answer #8 · answered by Gregory 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'm pretty sure that term is derogatory no matter who you're describing.
2006-07-02 15:12:36 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
And by the way, what is this 'masculine lesbian'?
2006-07-02 15:19:16 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋