Definition & Meaning of "bulldyke"in English

What is the origin of the term "bulldyke" and how is it used?

Bulldyke is a slang term for a masculine queer woman that first appears in early 20th-century English, though it likely circulated orally earlier. Its exact origin is unclear, but it may combine "bull," suggesting strength or aggression, with "dyke," an older derogatory term for lesbians. Over time, bulldyke came to specifically signal women who are tough, assertive, or exhibit traditionally masculine traits. Historically, it was highly insulting, often used to shame or intimidate queer women, but from the 1970s onward, some lesbian communities reclaimed it as a term of pride and empowerment. Today, it remains context-sensitive: outsiders using it can offend, while within certain queer spaces it can be neutral or positive.