Sapphic is anything of, or relating to, lesbianism. This could include cunnilingus, short hair, field hockey, college, alcohol, or feminism. Stemming from the Greek poet Sappho, who wrote love poems to both men and women and was considered bisexual and the founder of lesbianism, this word is often used to describe porn, literature, physical attributes, fashion, hairstyles, and entertainment hot spots. In Toronto and New York, it can often be heard as a term to describe a particularly lesbian bar. “Man, that bar was so Sapphic. I couldn’t pick up a single chick!” Similarly, one might say, “Jane Austen novels are so Sapphic. I always get a boner when I read them.”

Sapphic is a fairly high brow, old-fashioned word that is not often used by the general public. Other words that are more common, and used synonymously with Sapphic are “gay” “dykish” or “butch.” All of these slang words, in some way, refer to lesbianism. If a close female friend started wearing work boots and smoking colts, for example, you might say she was being a bit butch. Similarly, if that same friend started watching Dawson’s Creek re-runs, eating a lot of fish instead of red meat, and attending classes titled Gender and Sexuality, or LGBT: representations in the media, then you could definitely accuse her of being a bit dykish.

1. That chick is totally Sapphic. She didn’t even give me her number!

2. Sara’s friends started worrying about how Sapphic she was getting. First she cut her hair, then she started wearing plaid, and now she’s joining the field hockey team!

RELATED TERMS:

Gay

Lesbian