dyke

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dyke

1. A derogatory and highly offensive term for a woman who is masculine in appearance or sensibility. Typically used of lesbians who exhibit such traits.

2. A reclaimed term (see Definition 1) used by homosexuals for a woman who is masculine in appearance or sensibility. Typically used of lesbians who exhibit such traits. Yeah, I'm a dyke who's attracted to femmes. Some lesbians describe themselves as dykes, some describe themselves as femmes, and others eschew labels altogether.

put (one's) finger in the dyke

To make a small effort or action to mitigate the damage or spread of something unpleasant, undesirable, or dangerous. He's putting his finger in the dyke, but he really needs to completely overhaul his monthly expenses to keep from going bankrupt. We can't just keep putting our fingers in the dyke every time there's a security breach—we need to figure out how hackers keep getting into the system.

See also: dyke, finger, put

put (one's) stamp on (something)

To demonstrate one's unique style or interpretation in the production of something or by influencing or changing something. Though he only produced the film, it's clear that the auteur director put his stamp on it. The new CEO has made it clear she intends to put her own stamp on the company. The novel is the author's attempt to put his stamp on Shakespeare's "Hamlet."

See also: on, put, stamp

Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

put your finger in the dyke

attempt to stem the advance of something undesirable which threatens to overwhelm you. informal

This expression stems from the story of a small Dutch boy who saved his community from flooding by placing his finger in a hole in a dyke.

See also: dyke, finger, put

Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017

dike

and dyke

n. a lesbian; a bulldiker. (Rude and derogatory.) Who’s the dike in the cowboy boots?

dyke

verb

See dike

McGraw-Hill's Dictionary of American Slang and Colloquial Expressions Copyright © 2006 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved.