Should I Say That: Dyke

1. Dyke is a word that has been integrated into the LGBT (Lesbian, Gay,
Bisexual and Transgender) community and is widely accepted within it. The
term dyke was normalized and celebrated in the LGBT community
beginning in the late 20th century. A campaign that celebrates the term is the
Dykes on Bikes group that kicks off many pride parades. Dyke has
historically been a term to describe more masculine lesbians, originating as a
French word which referred to men's clothing, but it is now more of a
synonym for lesbian culture. Although the word has become normalized and
celebrated in the LGBT community, it can still be derogatory when used by
someone with the wrong intentions. Being a dyke does not mean that a
person is a lesser human and she should not be made to feel that way by
those who tend to be homophobic.
2. The word itself has no clear point of origin. There are many conflicting
perspectives, stories and myths that date back to the early 1700s when some
definitions of the word dyke referred to cross-dressing pirates, to being
overdressed, or dressing in mens vestments. One theory about the origin of
the word "dyke" states that it was an anti-lesbian slur derived from the word
"hermaphrodite." having both gender parts. These uses present the word as a
way of placing a woman in the middle of the gender scale. Although the
word dyke has not been around for a very long time the idea behind it has.
Butch has a notoriously similar definition and many feminists have been
stuck with the synonymous label of lesbian man hater which could be a
potential origin of dyke. When used as slang in a derogatory manner,
dyke often refers to a woman who works out, plays sports or doesnt fit
into the small box of gender conformity that society likes to preach. Society
likes to believe that women are the perfect size zero, feminine woman with
long hair and flawless make up; when a woman does not fit those standards
then she could be considered more of a dyke.
3. Historically, women have been objectified, silenced and placed in the
background with some major exceptions. Women made up two thirds of the

original members of the Black Panther Party, and were an essential

contribution to the movement. As a leading force in the feminist movement
which quickly gained momentum and led to positive change, these women
hardly represented the stereotypical idea of femininity. The meanings,
associations and uses of the word Dyke have been through many
transformations. One example is, the word was bulldyke which had been
used originally for men who engaged in promiscuous sexual activity, but it
was then used to describe women who looked more like men. Other terms
are: diesel Dyke or bear dyke which both refer to a very large masculine
looking lesbians. There have recently been modifications for feminine
lesbians such as lipstick dyke, stealth dyke and femme dyke; all of which
stand for feminine lesbians who would often be mistaken for straight
women. Though the word has acquired many extensions and modifiers it
remains to be a synonym of lesbian and a self-identifier for many gay
women. Dyke is not an insult when used with pride by the LGBT
community but like many words if said by a person meaning offence or said
in an inappropriate or derogatory manner it can be very rude and insulting.