Every identity and sexuality seems to have its own dictionary. While this can be great for those who have a full understanding of every word, turn or phrase, getting to grips with a whole new vocabulary can be intimidating for someone who has just come out or has realised they’re queer. That’s why we’ve collated a list of 23 easy-to-use lesbian slang words. Whether you’re a baby gay or a seasoned U-hauler, keep reading.

1. Lesbian
   A lesbian is a woman who is attracted exclusively to women, or a non-man that’s only attracted to non-men. This label also includes non-binary lesbians or anyone who wants to use the term in good faith.

2. WLW
   Short for ‘women who love women,’ the term WLW encompasses all romantic and/or sexual relationships between women - this could be a lesbian relationship, bisexual, pansexual or any other relationship involving two individuals who identify as women.

3. Sapphic
   Derived from theGreek poet Sappho who lived on the island of Lesbos around 600 BCE (which is also where we get the word lesbian from!) sapphic is an adjective used to describe anything related to lesbian culture or same-sex female relationships, for example, ‘sapphic literature.’

4. LINTA*
   A German abbreviation for “Frauen, Lesben, Intergeschlechtliche, nichtbinäre, trans und agender Personen,” which translates to women/females, lesbians, intersex, non-binary, trans, and agender individuals, FLINTA is used to allow more visibility and recognition of anyone who is not a cisgender man. The \ encompasses all non-binary gender identities.

5. Chapstick Lesbian
   Lesbians who have a more laid-back style are often called chapstick lesbians. This is a particularly slangy way to describe an individual who favours a more natural look and opts for comfort over fashion.

6. Lipstick Lesbian
   The opposite of a chapstick lesbian, a lipstick lesbian describes a lesbian who dresses with a more feminine style. These individuals are also known to rock a strong lip colour - hence the nickname.

7. Baby Gay/Baby Dyke
   Baby gays are relatively new to the LGBTQ+ community and its culture. This term is especially used for anyone who has just recently come out or discovered their new sexual orientation.

8. Pillow Princess
   Someone might call you a pillow princess if you prefer to receive pleasure while being intimate with someone, but don’t necessarily want to reciprocate it back or participate in giving. This term is often used as the WLW equivalent of a ‘bottom.’

9. Masc
   Short for “masculine” or “masculine-presenting,” masc is used to describe someone who is more traditionally masculine in their style or behaviour. Many masculine-presenting individuals adopted this term instead of butch after it became used as a derogative within some communities.

10. Femme
    Similar to a lipstick lesbian, femme is used to describe someone with a more traditional feminine gender expression or presentation. There are many different types of femme, including those below.

11. High Femme
    The most feminine of femme individuals, a high femme embraces everything truly glamorous and feminine associated with their gender expression. They are at the furthest point on the femme-masc scale sometimes used by WLW.

12. Dom Fem
    You might be described as a dom fem if you are feminine in your appearance but possess a distinctly dominant energy. This might be within your relationships - or most typically, in the bedroom.

13. Stem
    On the femme-masc scale, stem is somewhere in the middle. In fact, this term is actually an abbreviation of ‘stud-femme’ - stud being another word used for masculine presenting individuals within the black community. A stem lesbian will usually have a mix of traditionally feminine and masculine characteristics within their style, appearance and behaviours.

14. Stud
    Stud is a term for a black masculine identifying lesbian. While stud is often used in the same way as butch, this term is racially specific to black WLW. As this articleso greatly puts it, “Not all Black masculine identifying lesbians consider themselves studs, but all studs are most certainly Black.”

15. Golden Retriever
    If you have a golden retriever girlfriend or partner, they’re likely the human equivalent of the playful and affectionate dog breed. A golden retriever lesbian is friendly, always positive, easygoing - and always willing to do anything for anyone.

16. Black Cat
    A girl with a femme, sexy and mysterious style and vibe is often known as a black cat. Many believe that a black cat and golden retriever relationship makes a great WLW duo.

17. Compulsory Heterosexuality
    Often referred to as ‘comphet’ for short, compulsory heterosexuality is the idea that women view all of their interactions and relationships with men as romantic or sexual as a result of the patriarchal and heteronormative society. For many queer women, comphet is the reason they don’t realise they’re queer until much later on.

18. U-Haul
    Derived from the stereotype that lesbians tend to move in together super quickly or dive feet-first into a WLW relationship, U-hauling describes the rapid pace of a new lesbian romance.

19. Clam Jam
    The queer female version of a cock block, a clam jam is when someone prevents you from flirting, pulling or getting with someone you’re interested in, either by accident or on purpose. Can be used interchangeably with “cliterference.”

20. Dopplebanger
    You might be called a dopplebanger if you’re always attracted to those who look very similar to you.

21. Lesbian manicure
    Painting your nails in a very specific way - drawing attention to the index and middle finger OR middle and ring finger on the dominant hand by either keeping them the only ones painted or non-painted - is called a lesbian manicure. Some lesbians choose to also leave these two fingers as the only ones without acrylics, making them shorter.

22. Lesbian Masterdoc
    Thelesbian masterdoc is a 30-page document originally written by a Tumblr user in 2018 with a series of common thoughts and experiences felt by lesbians who don’t realise they’re queer as a result of compulsory heterosexuality. For many queer women of the “tumblr-era,” this pdf was instrumental in helping them realise their true feelings towards women.

23. ‘Do You Listen to Girl in Red?’
    The modern sapphic equivalent of ‘are you a friend of Dorothy’s?’ If you ask someone ‘do you listen to girl in red?’ you’re subtly asking them if they’re a lesbian or a queer woman - Girl in Red being a popular lesbian musician.

Think we’ve missed your favourite lesbian slang word? Let us know in the comments and we’ll have it added!