The term 'shemale' is used to define a male to female transgender individual who presents surgically-enhanced female breasts and male genitalia. This term is more commonly used in sex work, movies, and literature. Often considered as a fetish, this word was coined in the mid-19th century and has since soared in popularity. Other slang words that are commonly used to define shemales include Tranny and Ladyboy.
Shemales often turn to surgery or hormonal treatments to enhance their bodies to ensure that they look as feminine as possible. Unlike transwomen, shemales maintain their male genitalia. By this token, shemales are often considered as multisexual. They can engage in romantic or sexual relationships with heterosexuals, gays, lesbians, or transvestites.
Shemales are also extremely present in pornography. Indeed, it is also considered as a fetish for both heterosexual and homosexual males. However, this term can be considered as derogatory for most transgendered women.
