This article mentions reclaimed slurs, potentially offensive terms, and genital anatomy; if you are not comfortable with reading about this kind of topic, we suggest you take a step back.
Dyke, also known as Dike, Bulldyke, or similar to such, is a slur commonly used against masculine-presenting women/butch lesbians. However, it is not exclusive to lesbians. Dyke is not excusive to binary women and lesbians, m-spec women can use it too, and so can non-binary people.
Etymology
The origin of the slur "dyke" is unknown, however there are possible theories on where it originated:
- A shortened version of the slur "h*rmaphrodite."
- Boudicca (Bou-dyke-ah), a Celtic queen who organized a revolt against the Roman Empire in 67 AD.
- The slang term "get diked out" meaning "dress up".
- In the 19th century, "dike" was a slang term for the vulva.
- From the terms "bulldicker" or "bulldick", meaning "fake penis" or "fake man", describing the idea of "a woman with a clitoris extended enough to serve as a penis in lesbian relationships".
Flags
The dyke pride flag was created in February 2020 by a tumblr user named Jace. Black represents "power, strength, and freedom that comes with reclaiming dyke", and "any and all black wlw and black nonbinary sapphics who identify as dyke, as they have always been the backbone of this community." Purple stands for the reclaimation of dyke. Magenta represents unapologetic love of women. Pink stands for acceptance of trans women and inner peace. The white labrys axe represents "empowerment, justice, and intolerance of bigotry".
The dykefag/fagdyke flag was created by tumblr user sothisian on December 6th of 2020. It has no confirmed meaning. A five-striped version of sothisian's flag was created by FANDOM user Uncertified Funny on May 24th, 2021.
References
https://nonbinary.wiki/wiki/Dyke
https://lgbtqiarchive.tumblr.com/post/637653259594678272/dykefag-fagdyke-flag