[denoumont]

I've been searching on the internet for the origins of "dyke". Can't find anything. Wondered if any of you smart well educated lesbians out there, (by the way i'm gay too), could help me out. I've been called a dyke a couple of times and I understand that the other person was trying to insult me but why should that be an insult. Does it really mean something bad or is it just another name for "lesbian". If i'm to be offended at least i can know the manner in which i'm being offended. Knowledge is Power!!!

[Linda]

Good question, but one that may never have a definitive answer. Various theories for the origin of the term "dyke" have been put forward. It may be a corruption of the word "hermaphrodite" or may refer to cross-dressing or to the warrior queen Boadicea (sometimes spelled Boudicca). You can read more about the theories at www.wordorigins.org/wordord.htm or awsd.com/burgdorf/terminology.html.
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Linda

[nielsen522]

Dyke word if use is something that is offensive to people and it refers to Lesbians. Originally meant to be a slur, it has been "reclaimed" by many Lesbians who might use it to identify themselves of other Lesbians. It is considered rude to use the word "Dyke" unless you self-identify as one. See more about the meaning of "dyke" in http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=dyke
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