lez: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowInformal, slang, often offensive/derogatory
Quick answer
What does “lez” mean?
A slang, often derogatory term for a lesbian.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A slang, often derogatory term for a lesbian.
A term primarily used in informal, often confrontational or offensive contexts to refer to a homosexual woman.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Both varieties understand and use the term. In the UK, its offensiveness is considered strong and it is rarely heard in polite discourse.
Connotations
Almost universally pejorative when used by outsiders. Can be used in a self-referential, reclaimed, or ironic way within specific in-group contexts.
Frequency
Very low frequency in mainstream media or polite conversation due to its offensive nature.
Grammar
How to Use “lez” in a Sentence
Noun used as a predicate nominal (She's a lez.)Noun used as a term of address (Hey, lez!)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “lez” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- That's a bit lez, mate.
American English
- He made some lez comment.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Not used (except potentially in sociological studies on slurs).
Everyday
Extremely rare and offensive in general everyday use; may be heard in hostile contexts or reclaimed in-group use.
Technical
Not used.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “lez”
- Using it thinking it is a neutral or polite term.
- Misspelling as 'les'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, for the vast majority of speakers and contexts, 'lez' is considered a derogatory slur and should be avoided.
Some individuals within the LGBTQ+ community may use it in a reclaimed, ironic, or in-group manner. However, this does not make it acceptable for use by others, and its reclaimed status is not universal.
"Lesbian" or "gay woman" are the standard, neutral terms.
It reduces a person's identity to a harsh, clipped slur, historically used to express contempt, hostility, or to otherize homosexual women.
A slang, often derogatory term for a lesbian.
Lez is usually informal, slang, often offensive/derogatory in register.
Lez: in British English it is pronounced /lɛz/, and in American English it is pronounced /lɛz/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None specific to this slang term.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
"Lez" is a clipped, harsh-sounding shortening of the longer, standard word "lesbian."
Conceptual Metaphor
Not applicable.
Practice
Quiz
The term 'lez' is best described as: