adjective General Slang

Butch

/bʊtʃ/ · adjective · slang

Polari and gay slang for masculine or tough — a presentation, not a slur.

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Definitions

1

In ballroom terms, 'butch' refers to a trans man, and to the corresponding performance category. Butches walk categories built around their identity — including runway interpretations of European and American fashion-show looks. It's distinct from the wider lesbian/general use of 'butch'; here it's a specific ballroom designation tied to the scene's gender-category system.

“He walks butch realness and the category is always his to lose.”
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2

As a noun, a person who presents in a masculine way, used especially within lesbian culture, paired with 'femme'.

“She's the butch and her girlfriend's the femme.”
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3

Could also describe an action done in a deliberately manly way: to 'butch it up' was to act tougher than one felt.

“Butch it up a bit before we pass the charpering omi.”
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4

In Polari and wider gay slang, masculine, tough or assertively manly in manner or appearance. Likely a shortening of 'butcher', suggesting a rugged, manual-worker image.

“He's ever so butch, but soft as anything underneath.”
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Butch In A Sentence

He had a butch swagger that turned every head in the bar.
Being able to butch it up could be a matter of safety in those years.
There's nothing more butch than that omi's leather jacket and boots.

Origin & Usage

Gay and Polari slang of the 20th century; 'butch' (masculine) is generally thought to be a clipping of 'butcher' and is documented across gay and lesbian usage, including in Paul Baker's Polari work.

Variants butched up
Tags #polari#lgbtq#british#heritage#vintage#identity

People Also Ask

What does butch mean?

It means masculine or tough in appearance or manner, used as both adjective and identity.

Where does butch come from?

It is generally thought to be a shortening of 'butcher', evoking a rugged, working-man image.

Is butch a slur?

No — it describes a masculine gender presentation and is widely used with pride, especially in lesbian culture.

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