dyke (woman)

this term, of obscure origins, is unacceptable to some lesbians, but is claimed by others (not necessarily masculine lesbians); it is always unacceptable when used by outsiders. Writer Denise Ohio says that dyke is "a word being reclaimed by the people it's normally used to denigrate. It was a total insult before; now it's showing power, solidarity." When reporting the word "dyke" used in hate speech, GLAAD says it's better if reporters say, "The person used a derogatory word for a lesbian" so that such words are not given visibility in the media. See also bull dyke (woman), butch (woman), femme/fem, gay rights, homophobia, homosexual, insider/outsider rule.