Butch

Today’s meaning and usage is usually descriptive of a Lesbian or woman who is overly masculine. This usage is originally American from c.1940 and has now spread right across the English-speaking world. It can also describe anything masculine without such insinuations as in a butch haircut etc. Before this, Butch was a nickname for any tough, rugged man or youth as evidenced by Butch Cassidy, one of the many aliases used by Robert Leroy Parker (1866-1908) the famous American outlaw. This nickname usage dates from the 19th century and possibly even earlier, supposedly from the surname Butcher.