Gender & Sexuality dictionary
TERF
or terf [ turf ]
What does TERF mean?
Content warning: The following article contains offensive language to document the real-world use of this term.
TERF is an acronym for “trans-exclusionary radical feminism” or “trans-exclusionary radical feminist.”
Where does TERF come from?
TERF is a term used to describe cisgender women who self-identify as feminist but oppose the inclusion of transgender women in spaces they believe should be designated for people assigned female at birth.
This perspective is often based on the belief that trans women are not women. As a result, these people may exclude trans women from their advocacy and support. Some individuals associated with the TERF label also hold views that support restricting the rights of transgender people, and in certain cases, may endorse harmful actions or rhetoric toward them.
In use online since at least 2008, TERF has different connotations, depending on who is using it. Some who use it to describe others note that it’s descriptive in nature, and not insulting. But well-known feminists who have been labeled TERF on the internet have come out to call the term a slur because of its association with violence and hatred.
In June 2020, Harry Potter author J.K. Rowling was notably labeled a TERF after she published posts on X (formerly Twitter) that many interpreted as anti-trans; Rowling defended herself from criticism, arguing that denying biological sex is misogynistic.
Examples of TERF
Who uses TERF?
TERF is often used by transgender advocates and has largely replaced usage of the phrase RadFem to describe this particular sector of women.
The phrase punch a TERF is often used on social media, particularly on X (formerly Twitter). Some trans advocates use this expression as a way to reject or push back against the views and statements of those they perceive as excluding transgender people. However, the use of such language has been criticized for contributing to a hostile environment and, in some instances, has been associated with real-world confrontations.
Note
This is not meant to be a formal definition of TERF like most terms we define on Dictionary.com, but is rather an informal word summary that hopefully touches upon the key aspects of the meaning and usage of TERF that will help our users expand their word mastery.