Dyke (slang)

The term dyke or dike is a slang noun meaning lesbian; it is also a slang adjective describing things associated with lesbianism. It originated as a derogatory label for a masculine, tomboyish, or butch woman; while this usage still exists, the term dyke has been reappropriated to an extent as a demeaning word implying assertiveness and toughness, or simply as a neutral synonym for lesbian.