Wolffian is an alternative to the term "biological male" and refers to the phenotypic sex traits of an indivitual who has testes and was exposed primarily to testosterone in the womb.[1] This term is best described as what society views as "common men" or "most men" however transgender women and some non-binary individuals typically have wolffian structures.
Wolffian traits include:
- A penis (POP) and testes.
- The capacity for spermatogenesis unless if sterile.
- Has testosterone as one's natural primary sex hormone.
Wolffian is not synonymous with AMAB, as some AMAB individuals are intersex, and do not have all of the traits listed. Wolffian could be described as "dyadic male".
The counterpart is müllerian.
Usage
This term should be used in a medical manner, in the same way one would use the term "biological male." It is best not to use this term in a non-medical way unless it is for self identification. For example, one should not call a transgender woman "wolffian"; instead, one should call them "AMAB" (or "AXAB/UAB", depending on their history with sex and assigned gender.)
One should not point out an individual as wolffian unless the individual has agreed to have the term used on them. The same goes for the phrase "biological male." Only in medical situations should it matter what someone's birth sex was; otherwise, it is completely up to the individual whether or not they wish to share or use this term.
History
The term appears to have been coined by acro-pluris on Tumblr by August 24, 2018.
Flag and symbol
The flag was created by Tumblr user mourningmogaicrew on August 31st, 2021. The symbol was created on the same day and was based off the man/male symbol.[2]