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History of Dyke as an offensive slur and who can say it and who can not
A thread by a lesbian
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A thread by a lesbian
Unlike most beliefs, the word “dyke” began as a way to attack women (ALL WOMEN) for masculine features like short hair etc. That means it was used against straight women, queer women, bi women, pan women and lesbians.
However, it’s believed the word dyke attacks lesbians for the stereotype that they act like men to be attractive to women. Some people believe that “dyke” came from “morphodike” and was used to reinforce the stereotype that all lesbians look and act like men.
“Women who have refused to conform to society’s expectations of them often have been labeled as “dykes,” whether or not they have identified as lesbians.” That is true, but you cannot say the slur if you aren’t lesbian.
Now, “why can’t bi and pan women say this it attacked anyone?” well by that logic, straight women who dress more “masculine” can say dyke. No they can not. Dyke was more prevalent as a slur against those who presented as lesbians. When homophobia became more —
— prominent, any women dating a woman was assumed as a lesbian. So they’d call them a dyke. Dyke literally means lesbian, it’s derogatory towards lesbians. Yes, bi and pan women can be called it, but they wouldn’t be called the slur if they were seen with men.
It’s generally considered rude if you use the word dyke, unless you identify as one. If you are confused if you can say it, just don’t say it, even if you are lgbtqia
