Crossdressing Terminology Dictionary: Words, Meanings and Definitions

A–C

Admirer

An admirer is someone who is attracted to, appreciates or enjoys meeting crossdressers. Admirers may be looking for friendship, dating or relationships. Read our crossdresser dating and relationships guide for broader advice.

Androgynous

Androgynous describes an appearance that combines traditionally masculine and feminine features or does not fit clearly into either category.

Breast forms

Breast forms are shaped inserts worn inside a bra or attached to the chest to create the appearance and movement of breasts. They may be made from silicone, foam or other lightweight materials.

Breastplate

A breastplate is a wearable chest piece containing breasts and usually covering more of the upper body than individual breast forms.

Clocked

Being clocked means someone has noticed or believes that a person is transgender, crossdressing or presenting differently from the sex they were assigned at birth.

Coming out

Coming out means telling another person about your crossdressing, identity or gender expression. It may involve telling a partner, family member or friend, but nobody is required to come out before they feel ready.

Compression underwear

Compression underwear uses firm stretch fabric to smooth or shape the body. It may be used around the waist, hips, chest or groin.

Crossdresser

A crossdresser is someone who wears clothing traditionally associated with another gender. Crossdressing does not automatically determine a person’s sexual orientation or gender identity.

Our identity and self-acceptance guide explores what crossdressing can mean to different people.

Crossdressing

Crossdressing is the act of wearing clothing, makeup or accessories culturally associated with another gender. People crossdress for many reasons, including self-expression, comfort, identity, enjoyment, performance or exploration.

Crossdressing community

The crossdressing community includes crossdressers, partners, friends, admirers, support organisations and other people interested in crossdressing or feminine expression.

Visit the ClubCrossDressing community or our crossdresser support guide to explore ways of connecting with others.

D–F

Drag

Drag is a form of performance involving exaggerated or theatrical gender presentation. Drag and crossdressing can overlap, but they are not the same. Many crossdressers do not perform drag, and many drag performers do not identify as crossdressers.

Dressing

Dressing is an informal term crossdressers may use for putting on feminine clothing, makeup, a wig or a complete feminine presentation.

Dressing service

A dressing service provides a private place where clients can receive help with clothing, makeup, wigs, styling or photographs.

En femme

En femme is a French-derived expression meaning “as a woman” or “in feminine presentation.” Within crossdressing communities, it commonly describes being fully or partly dressed in feminine clothing.

Feminine presentation

Feminine presentation describes the use of clothing, makeup, hair, movement, voice or styling traditionally associated with femininity.

Our crossdresser fashion guide covers clothing and styling, while the complete makeup guide covers feminine makeup techniques.

Feminisation

Feminisation means making an appearance, style or presentation look more feminine. The term may refer to makeup, clothing, hairstyles, body shaping, movement or voice.

Femme name

A femme name is a feminine name someone uses while crossdressing or expressing their feminine side. Some people use it only privately, while others use it throughout the community.

Full-time

Full-time usually describes someone who presents in their chosen gender expression throughout most or all of everyday life, rather than only occasionally.

G–L

Gaff

A gaff is a supportive undergarment designed to create a smoother, flatter appearance at the front of the body.

Read our guide to tucking underwear, gaffs and smoothing briefs for advice about fit, comfort and safety.

Gender expression

Gender expression is the way someone presents gender through clothing, hair, makeup, voice, behaviour or body language. It does not necessarily reveal their gender identity or sexual orientation.

Gender fluid

Gender fluid describes someone whose experience or expression of gender may change over time. Learn more in our gender fluidity guide.

Gender identity

Gender identity is a person’s internal sense of their gender. Someone’s identity may be male, female, non-binary, gender fluid or another identity.

Gender presentation

Gender presentation is another term for how someone outwardly expresses gender through appearance and behaviour.

Gender-affirming clothing

Gender-affirming clothing helps someone feel more comfortable or aligned with their chosen presentation or identity. This might include dresses, lingerie, shapewear, suits, underwear or everyday clothing.

Hip pads

Hip pads are foam, silicone or fabric inserts used to add width and shape around the hips and sometimes the buttocks.

Hosiery

Hosiery includes tights, stockings, hold-ups, knee-highs and similar garments worn on the legs.

In the closet

Being in the closet means keeping crossdressing or gender expression private from some or all people in your life.

Our crossdressing privacy guide discusses secrecy, boundaries and protecting personal information.

Latex breast forms

Latex breast forms are breast-shaped inserts made from latex rather than silicone or foam. They may be lighter or less expensive but can feel and move differently.

Layering

Layering means combining clothing or shapewear to create a smoother outline, improve fit or build a coordinated outfit.

M–P

Male-to-female presentation

Male-to-female presentation describes using clothing, makeup, hair or shaping to create a more feminine appearance. It describes presentation and does not automatically describe someone’s identity.

Misgendering

Misgendering means referring to someone using a gender, title or pronouns that do not match how they identify or have asked to be addressed.

Non-binary

Non-binary is an umbrella term for gender identities that are not exclusively male or female.

Padding

Padding means using shaped inserts around the hips, buttocks, chest or other areas to change the body’s visible proportions beneath clothing.

Passing

Passing means being perceived by other people as the gender in which someone is presenting. Some people value passing, while others do not consider it important.

Passing should not be treated as a requirement for dressing, joining a community or expressing femininity.

Peer support

Peer support is emotional or practical help provided by people with similar experiences. It may happen through online communities, local groups or one-to-one friendships.

Pocketed bra

A pocketed bra contains fabric pockets designed to hold breast forms securely against the body.

Presentation

Presentation refers to the overall way someone appears, including clothing, makeup, wig, accessories, posture and voice.

Pronouns

Pronouns are words such as he, she or they used when referring to someone. Use the pronouns a person asks you to use.

Q–Z

Read

To be read means that another person has noticed signs that someone may be crossdressing or presenting differently from their assigned sex. It has a similar meaning to being clocked.

Shapewear

Shapewear is supportive clothing designed to smooth, compress or reshape areas such as the waist, stomach, hips, thighs or chest.

Silicone breast forms

Silicone breast forms are breast-shaped inserts designed to imitate the weight, movement and feel of breasts.

Stepping out

Stepping out means leaving a private setting while dressed or presenting femininely. It may describe a first drive, walk, social event, shopping trip or public outing.

Support group

A support group is a group where people share experiences, advice and emotional support. It may meet online or in person and may focus specifically on crossdressing or support a wider LGBTQ+ community.

Our crossdresser support groups and services guide explains how to find and assess suitable support.

T-girl

T-girl is an informal term sometimes used by transgender women, crossdressers or feminine-presenting people. Some people use it positively, while others dislike it, so do not apply it to someone without knowing their preference.

Transgender

Transgender describes someone whose gender identity differs from the sex they were assigned at birth. Crossdressing and being transgender are not the same, although some people may explore both.

Transition

Transition is the process through which a transgender person changes aspects of their life to align with their gender identity. This may involve social, legal or medical changes, but not every transgender person follows the same path.

Transvestite

Transvestite is an older term historically used for someone who wears clothing associated with another gender. Some people still use it for themselves, but many prefer the word crossdresser because transvestite can sound outdated or carry unwanted associations.

Tucking

Tucking is a method used to reduce the visible outline of the genitals beneath clothing. Some people use purpose-made tucking underwear or a gaff.

Tucking is optional and should never cause pain, numbness or injury. See our tucking underwear guide for practical safety advice.

Underdressing

Underdressing means wearing feminine underwear or clothing beneath everyday outer clothing. This allows someone to express their feminine side privately.

Wardrobe

A wardrobe is a collection of clothing, shoes and accessories. A coordinated wardrobe contains pieces that fit well and can be combined into several outfits.

Use our crossdresser clothing and sizing guide to understand measurements and fit.

Wig cap

A wig cap is a thin cap worn beneath a wig to hold natural hair in place and create a smoother base.

Wig grip

A wig grip is a soft band worn around the head to help stop a wig moving or slipping.

Visit our complete crossdresser wig guide for help with buying, fitting, styling and caring for wigs.

Terms to Use With Care

Words connected with gender, sexuality and presentation can carry different meanings for different people. Avoid assuming that every crossdresser is transgender, gay, attracted to men or interested in dating.

Do not label someone as a sissy, transvestite, T-girl or any other personal term unless they use that description for themselves.

When you are unsure, ask politely:

What name, description and pronouns would you like me to use?

Respecting someone’s chosen language is more important than memorising every term in this dictionary.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is crossdressing the same as being transgender?

No. Crossdressing describes an activity or form of expression, while transgender describes gender identity. A crossdresser may identify as male, female, non-binary or in another way.

Does crossdressing mean someone is gay?

No. Clothing and gender expression do not determine sexual orientation. Crossdressers may be straight, gay, bisexual, asexual or have another orientation.

What does en femme mean?

En femme means presenting in feminine clothing or appearance. In crossdressing communities, it often describes being dressed as one’s feminine self.

What is the difference between a gaff and shapewear?

A gaff is designed specifically to smooth the front of the body. Shapewear may smooth several areas, including the waist, stomach, hips and thighs.

What does passing mean in crossdressing?

Passing means being perceived by others as the gender in which someone is presenting. It is a personal goal for some people but not a requirement.

What does stepping out mean?

Stepping out means leaving a private setting while dressed or presenting femininely, often for the first time.

Can this dictionary be updated?

Yes. Crossdressing and gender language continues to develop, so this dictionary should be expanded and reviewed as new terms become commonly used.