Diesel Dyke

Updated: MARCH 23, 2022

Reviewed by Kinkly Staff

on February 8, 2022

A diesel dyke is a term used in some lesbian circles to refer to a lesbian who has a masculine or "butch" look. The term first appeared in Urban Dictionary in 2004, and is said to be derive from the notion that since diesel dykes tend to be bigger butch women, moving them would require a powerful diesel engine. This, of course, if pretty derogatory and fatphobic language. In the gay community, the term has taken on a more positive connotation and is more often assumed to be a lesbian who is into motorcycles, cars or mechanics (or just looks like they are!)

Another term for diesel dyke is bulldagger.

More About Diesel Dyke

The term diesel dyke is a stereotype, but it can be used by people in the lesbian community to describe the type of people they are interested in. Diesel dykes most often date femmes.

The term "dyke" is a long-used slang term for lesbian. It originated as a homophobic slur, but the term has since been reappropriated to refer to a lesbian woman with masculine energy. The etymology of the term dyke may stem from the work "dike," which was used as a slang term for the vulva in the late 19th century.