While there are several different meanings of the word "slur," the meaning that will be discussed on this page is that of words which are used in a derogatory and bigoted context. More specifically in the context of this site, this will be derogatory and bigoted words that are used towards queer people.

Chances are that if you are transgender, you have been called a slur at some point. Perhaps on the internet. Perhaps in person. Perhaps both. It is very difficult to avoid transphobia of any kind, especially that what which permeates language.

While traditionally used alongside physical acts of violence, many transphobes will argue that slurs are not themselves violent. In the United States, slurs are argued to be protected under the first amendment, which grants freedom of speech. The schematics of this can be debated, but at the very bare minimum, these are not words which are used in very polite company.

One of the easiest things that you can do as an ally of the transgender community is to call out those who use these words. Only use a gendered term to refer to a person if that particular person desires to be called that particular word.

Unfortunately, virtually every single word with a gendered connotation has been used as a slur at some point. Any and every gendered word that can be used as a neutral or positive self-descriptor can be, has been, and will be used in a derogatory way towards another person. This is inescapable so long as those who follow transphobic ideologies (such as gender critical). This list will include words that have purely (or primarily) been used in a derogatory context.

There are some slurs on this list that are considered "reclaimed." Reclamation of a slur happens when the group of people who are primarily targeted by the slur decide that they would like to use that word for themselves with a positive or neutral connotation.

The general rule of thumb that comes along with slurs is that once you are aware that it is a slur, you shouldn't be using it. If you for some reason feel the urge to use it, at the very least look into the history of that word so that you are aware of the impact that the word you saying can have on the mental health and well-being of the people you are trying to use it on.

Many slurs are used often in porn, reducing the people they are referring to down to nothing more than sex objects to appeal to chasers. Many of these words appear as entire categories on pornographic websites (both with in animated porn such as hentai, and that which contains real people). Unfortunately, this is the only exposure that many people have to the transgender community. Someone who views transgender people as nothing more than a porn topic are rarely interested in seeking out more information on the community. It is disheartening to be a transgender person and having to deal with someone shouting a fetishistic slur at you, or accusing you of only being transgender for the purposes of tricking straight people into having sex with you (a common porn trope).

Disclaimer - This list of slurs includes the primary target of their usage, though bigots aren't exactly making sure that they are always being 100% accurate regarding the identities of their targets.

• Cuntboy - A slur typically used towards transgender men.
• Dickgirl - A slur typically used towards intersex people and transgender women.
• Dyke - A slur typically used towards lesbians. Sometimes considered reclaimed.
• Faggot - A slur typically used towards gay men. Sometimes considered reclaimed.
• Futanari - A slur typically used to refer to intersex people. Often used in porn.
• Hermaphrodite - A slur typically used to refer to intersex people.
• Heshe - A slur typically used to refer to intersex people.
• Hon - A slur typically used towards transgender women who do not pass.
• Ladyboy - A slur typically used towards transgender women.
• Lesbo - A slur typically used towards lesbians.
• Nipnopper - A slur typically used towards someone who has undergone top surgery that results in having no nipples.
• Pooner - A slur typically used to refer to transgender men who do not pass.
• Shemale - A slur typically used towards intersex people and transgender women.
• Sissy - A slur typically used towards transgender women.
• Theyfab - A slur typically used towards nonbinary people who were AFAB.
• Theymab - A slur typically used towards nonbinary people who were AMAB.
• T.I.F. - Trans Identified Female. Commonly used by TERFs to refer to transgender men.
• T.I.M. - Trans Identified Male. Commonly used by TERFs to refer to transgender women.
• Tranny - A slur used towards transgender people. Sometimes considered reclaimed. Definitely don't use this one if you're not transgender.
• Transtrender - A slur used to refer to GNC transgender people. Typically used by transmeds.
• Trap - A slur typically used towards transfeminine people and femboys to imply that they are tricking or "trapping" people into thinking that they are women. Often used in regards to anime and/or porn.
• Troon - A slur used towards transgender people in general, but typically towards transgender women.
• Zippertits - A slur typically used towards transgender men who have had mastectomies.

All Things Queer - LGBTQ+ Terminology: Outdated vs Reclaimed
Be You Network: Dean Moncel: 02/20/2020: Transtrending: What It Means and How It Harms
Cambridge Dictionary - Slur
China Media Project: Dalia Parete: 01/16/2025: THE CMP DICTIONARY: Tranny
Dictionary - Slur
Genderkit - Slurs
GLAAD - Online Anti-LGBTQ Hate Terms Defined: “Transtrender”
Highlands and Islands Students' Association: Elena Arroyo: 02/04/2024: From Hurt to Power: The Reclamation of LGBTQ+ Slurs
Identiversity - Hermaphrodite
ladybz: Andy T. Laird: 09/03/2023: What is the Definition of a Ladyboy?
Merriam Webster Dictionary - Slur
The Free Dictionary - Slur
Trans Doe Task Force - locating & identifying murdered or missing transgender people
Transgender Map - Transgender slang, slurs, and controversial words
Trans Language Primer - "Hermaphrodite"
Trans Language Primer - “Tranny”
Trans Language Primer - “Transtrender”
Trans Language Primer - "Trap"
Trans Language Primer - Reclamation
Urban Dictionary - Theyfab
Wikipedia - Futanari
Wikipedia - Kathoey
Wikipedia - Shemale
Wikipedia - Tranny
Wiktionary - Dickgirl
Wiktionary - Theyfab
Wiktionary - Transtrender