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Trans Guy Glossary

Ever seen a phrase or term online but had no way to search for what it meant? Have you just come out and are feeling a little overwhelmed by all the new words that you 'have' to learn? This page acts as a glossary/dictionary for all words and phrases related to trans guys and our shared experiences. Some of the terms on this page are not trans guy-specific, but serve as a good reference anyway.

 

Please note; you may see a term and think "I don't fit 100% of the term. Am I still allowed to call myself [X]?" Yes, yes you can. These are simply the straightforward definitions, you may interpret your relationship with these words however you like.

Have words and phrases to suggest? Head to the Contact page.

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A(G/S)AB (adj.) - Assigned (Gender/Sex) at Birth

Used as shorthand. Catch-all term to describe how an individual was assigned at birth without specifics.

EX: "Tommy? Yeah, I have no idea what their AGAB is, but I know for sure they're hot!"

AFAB (adj.) - Assigned Female at Birth

Used as shorthand. Some trans people use it as a noun (i.e. "I'm AFAB), though many people use it as a way to describe what genitalia they have -- totally negating those who have sought sex reassignment surgery. As its core, the term "AFAB" describes an individual's past state; present and future may vary.

EX: "He was AFAB, but is now transitioning to male."

AMAB (adj.) - Assigned Male at Birth

Used as shorthand. Same definition as "AFAB", but used to identify those who were assigned male at birth but may be pursuing transitioning.

EX: "She was AMAB, but is now transitioning to female."

Aranu'tiq (adj./n.)

Originating from the Chugach in the Americas, Aranu'tiq individuals were considered "male on one side, female on another".

EX: "He is Aranu'tiq in his expression."

Binary (Man/Male) (adj./n.)

Anyone with the male gender. Can apply to trans* men and cis men as well.

EX: "I told everyone I'm a binary man because I just identify as a dude."

Boi (adj./n.)

Broadly means an individual who is masculine, but not in a cisheteronormative way.

EX: "He's a man, I'm a Boi."

Bottom Growth (n.)

Medical term describing the growth of the clitoris during testosterone hormone replacement therapy. Size is determined by dosage and genetics. Most people average 1-3 inches.

EX: "Dude! My bottom growth itches so bad... but at least it's getting bigger!"

Boyflux (adj.)

Generally describes an individual whose masculine gender fluctuates in intensity.

EX: "Sometimes I feel like a guy, other times I don't. I think I may be Boyflux."

Brotherboy (adj./n.)

Originating from Queensland Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, Brotherboys were individuals who were AFAB but who have a masculine spirit. Can be considered binary or non-binary.

EX: "My friend is a Brotherboy, he's really cool."

Burrnesha (n.)

Also referred to as "Balkan sworn virgins", Burrnesha generally defines someone who was AFAB but lives as a celibate man to do the roles in society only given to men. The tradition goes back to the 1400s, but is still sparsely practiced today.

EX: "I went to Albania and met a Burrnesha. He seemed pretty cool."

Bussy (n.)

Affectionate nickname to describe (A) the vulva/vaginal opening of a trans guy, (B) the anus of anyone.

EX: "His bussy is exceptionally tight."

Butch (adj./n.)

Historically Butch has been used simply to describe the expression of an individual that was extremely masculine - oftentimes bordering on parody. Nowadays, it generally defines one's gender expression and can be applied to any gender identity, though it's most commonly in use within the Lesbian community. At it's core, Butch can be both a descriptor and an identity.

EX: "Did you see? Mary has a new partner and he's totally butch. I saw him wearing all leather!"

Chest Binder (n.)

Binders are compression vests used to compress and conceal the breasts. They come in a wide variety of shapes and colors, though typically look like half or full tank tops.

EX: "Dude, I think my binder is too tight. I knew I should've gotten the large!"

Cisgender (adj.)

Describes any individual who identifies with the sex/gender they were assigned at birth.

EX: "Yeah, my dad is cis(gender). He's such a man's man."

Demiboy (adj./n.)

Describes an individual whose gender may be partially but not completely male.

EX: "My friend told me he's a demiboy the other day."

FTM - Female-to-Male (n.)

FTM is an acronym to describe an individual's transition from Female to Male. Some FTM people medically transition, others do not.

EX: "Max is FTM, so he's thinking about getting top surgery some day."

Fa'atama/Faʻatane/Fafatama (adj./n.)

Originating from Samoa, Fa'atama describes a second gender for those who were AFAB. Generally refers to someone who was AFAB but with a masculine spirit.

EX: "There aren't many Fa'atamas left in the world."

Front Hole (n.)

Affectionate nickname to describe the vulva/vaginal opening. Used sometimes to avoid the medical term, as it may bring discomfort to some individuals.

EX: "My front hole is *not* open for use."

Gender Dysphoria (n.)

Typically described as a sense of unease, anxiety, and/or depression about the misalignment between an individual's assigned sex/gender at birth and their current gender. Gender dysphoria takes on many different forms (typically regarding physical traits) and is never the same for everyone. Many trans* individuals experience gender dysphoria, others do not. Many who have gender dysphoria pursue medical transitioning to alleviate their dysphoria, other do not. All are equally valid.

EX: "My gender dysphoria is so bad that sometimes I can't shower without crying. Have you felt the same?"

Intersex (adj.)

An individual who does not have sex characteristics that would be considered "normal" for Males and Females. This comes in a *wide* variety of forms. Being intersex is not the same as being trans*, though some identify as such.

EX: "The doctor told me I was intersex, which I guess explains a lot."

Metoidioplasty (n.)

One option for bottom surgery. The mons pubis may be pulled back so the enlarged clitoris may be used as a phallus. May include optional scrotum implants, urethral lengthening, and vaginectomy.

Check out this page for more info.

Ex: "I wanted a metoidioplasty because I don't care that much about penetration."

Mutarajjulat/Mustarjil (adj./n.)

Literally, "women who wish to resemble men". Originating from Islam between the 9th - 11th cent., Mutarajjulat/Mustarjil individuals were AFAB but dress and live as men. They may have fought in battles.

EX: "He was born female but is now a Mustarjil living as a man."

Non-Binary (adj.)

Descriptor of any individual(s) who don't identify with Male or Female. May be used as an umbrella term to include genderqueer, bi-gender, etc.

EX: "Arson told me they're Non-Binary the other day. Should we celebrate?"

Phalloplasty (n.)

One option for bottom surgery. The phallus (penis) is constructed from skin either on the forearm or inner thigh. There can be optional urethral lengthening and/or scrotum insertion and/or a vaginectomy.

Check out this page for more info.

EX: "When I went in for phallo(plasty), my doctor asked me how big I wanted my new penis."

Stud (adj/n.)

A descriptor for masculine Black lesbians, though recent scholarship has questioned the term's connection between Blackness and a "stud" as a breeding animal.

EX: "My girlfriend is such a stud."

T-Dick (n.)

Affectionate nickname describing the growth of the clitoris while taking testosterone hormone replacement therapy.

EX: "My T-dick is bigger than yours!"

Testosterone/T (n.)

Synthetic testosterone many trans guys take to alter their body to a more masculine state. Can come in shots, gel, and pellets. Do not take pills.

EX: "I take my T shots every other week."

Top Surgery (n.)

Nickname for a double mastectomy, aka the total removal of the breast tissue. There are multiple different kinds of top surgery, depending on body type and breast size.

Check out this page for more info.

EX: "I got top surgery a few years ago and my scars have healed really well!"

Trans Man/Male (n.)

Typically describes an individual who is trans* and identifies as a binary man. Gender expression may vary.

EX: "Aidrian identifies as a trans man. He's very macho."

Trans Masc(uline) (adj./n.)

Refers to individuals whose identity is along the masculine spectrum, but may not necessarily identify as Male.

EX: "Yeah man, I'm transmasc. Sometimes I kinda feel like a guy but other days I dunno."

Transgender (adj.)

Used as an umbrella term and encompasses other terms (i.e. Non-Binary, Transsexual, etc.). An individual whose gender does not align with their A(G/S)AB. They may choose to pursue social and/or medical transition. Transgender individuals generally prioritize the non-medical aspects of their transition, but mileage varies.

EX: "Transgender people use the bathroom just like everyone else does."

Transsexual (adj.)

Generally defines a trans* person who prioritizes their medical transition as opposed to some non-transsexuals. Transsexual predates Transgender as an umbrella term; used primarily when it was believed the only way a trans* person could be "legit" was to medically transition. In some contexts, transsexual is a slur; in other contexts, trans* people have reclaimed it for themselves.

EX: "Jack is transsexual. I heard he's getting bottom surgery next week."

Bibliography

Ajam Media Collective. “Recovering Arab Trans History: Masoud El Amaratly, the Folk Music Icon from Iraq’s Marshes.” Ajam Media Collective, June 26, 2023. https://ajammc.com/2023/06/26/iraq-trans-history-masoud-amaratly/.

genderkoolaid. “Oh Yeah.” Tumblr, August 8, 2023. https://genderkoolaid.tumblr.com/post/725139055619276800/recovering-arab-trans-history-masoud-el-amaratly.

Fandom.com. “Gender Wiki,” 2023. https://gender.fandom.com/wiki/Gender_Wiki.

McLean, Tui. “The Last of Albania’s ‘Sworn Virgins.’” BBC.com. BBC News, December 10, 2022. https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-63904744

Nonbinary.wiki. “Gender-Variant Identities Worldwide - Nonbinary Wiki,” 2022. https://nonbinary.wiki/wiki/Gender-variant_identities_worldwide


Nonbinary.wiki. “Man - Nonbinary Wiki,” 2019. https://nonbinary.wiki/wiki/Man.

Trans Male Resources. “Terminology | Trans Male Resources,” 2016. https://www.transmaleresources.com/terminology.

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