Dyke, also known as Dike or Bulldyke, is a reclaimed slur for lesbians, particularly those who are masculine presenting women/butch lesbians. The word is commonly considered a derogatory slur, but has been reclaimed and used positively by some lesbians. It is used mostly by lesbians, particularly butch lesbians, though it is also used by m-spec sapphic women and non-binary people who who identify as lesbian or sapphic.
Besides it's reclaimed use, it should not be used on any individual, especially those who have not reclaimed this term. No individual should use the slur unless they themselves have the right to reclaim it. The term should only be reclaimed by sapphics.
Flag
The most used dyke pride flag was created by Tumblr user plantbutch on or before February 21, 2020.[1] Black represents power, strength, and freedom that comes with reclaiming dyke. It also represents black WLW and black non-binary sapphics who identify as dykes. Purple represents the reclamation of dyke. Magenta represents unapologetic love of women. Pink represents acceptance of trans women and inner peace. The white labrys axe represents empowerment, justice, and intolerance of bigotry.
The first findable dyke flag was coined by a now deactivated user, and was reposted on Tumblr user beyond-mogai-pride-flags account on August 27th of 2018. It has no confirmed meaning.
Etymology
The origin of dyke is unknown, however there are possible theories on where it originated:[2][3]
- A shortened version of the slur "hermaphrodite."
- 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" (which is intersexist and transphobic towards those with clitoromegaly.)