Butch is a term used to describe the stereotypically masculine traits displayed by certain individuals in lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and cross-dressing communities. It is most commonly used to describe lesbians who display overtly masculine characteristics and behaviors, but it’s possible for anyone of any sex or gender identity to be deemed butch. Butch women may be tomboyish or they might display a more pronounced masculinity in their behavior, style, and self-perception. Butch can be used both as an adjective and as a noun.
Butch is the opposite of femme, a term that pertains to the display of stereotypically feminine traits.