Femme

Femme is a term from queer and lesbian contexts that describes a deliberately feminine gender presentation or self-styling. It is often used by queer women, but depending on context it may also apply to other people who prefer a feminine expression or aesthetic. The term should not be equated with biological “female”; it primarily refers to cultural and social presentation.

Femme is often contrasted with butch, and both terms can describe a spectrum of expression. Importantly, femme can be a self-chosen label and should not simply be assigned from outside. The term is mainly about identity and culture; it is not automatically a sexual role or a BDSM term.