Dictionary

truscum en · NOUN

Pronunciation

• (US) audio
• /ˈtrʌskəm/ (rare)
• /ˈtruːˌskʌm/

Etymology

Coined in 2012 on Tumblr. Clipping of the derogatory epithet “true transsexual scum”; by surface analysis, tru- (“true, genuine”) + scum. Some early instances also reference similar terms radscum and cis scum, which are possible influences. For additional context, see Citations:truscum.

Meanings

1. (derogatory, slang, usually) A person who believes that gender dysphoria is an essential trait to being transgender.
   • Even among wonderful and truscum-battling friends I still avoid the label trans, instead occasionally asking for 'they' pronouns to be used and trying to talk of men as an outsider. 2015, Henrx Holmes, "Unmanned", No HeterOx (Oxford, UK), page 7 (approx.)
   • The term 'truscum', meant to be an epithet directed at the medicalization supporters, came into usage through an often-referenced post by tumblr user transstingray [... in 2012] a 'truscum' individual believes that all trans people should identify as transsexual, identify within the binary, use only male or female pronouns […] . The term is derived from 'true transsexual' and 'scum' […] . Although 'truscum' was originally meant to be a derogatory term, it has since been reclaimed and redefined to mean an individual who believes that one needs to experience sex-based dysphoria in order to be trans, and that transsexualism is a medical condition. It has now transcended its original purpose and has become a term with which the supporters of medicalization identify themselves. 2013, Alexander Wijnants, "Identity of Neurology Social Media and the Politician versus Medicalization of Trans People", Synaesthesia: Communication Across Cultures, ISSN 1883-5953, Volume 1, Number 4, Spring 2013, page 131
   • That, in summary, is the tone taken by the very recently developed factions of quote unquote social justice warriors, trans and trans* activists, truscum, radfems; […] 2014, Zoe Kilbourn, "PSA, UWU: Tumblr, Gender, and Gaga", Pelican (University of Western Australia), Volume 85, Edition 6, circa September 2014, page 9
   • The truscum, or medical supporters, use basic, non-radical goals and a reliance on empirical evidence to develop and support a self-concept of being the more rational and realistic group within the debate. 2013, Alexander Wijnants, "Identity of Neurology Social Media and the Politician versus Medicalization of Trans People", Synaesthesia: Communication Across Cultures, ISSN 1883-5953, Volume 1, Number 4, Spring 2013, page 134

Forms

Antonyms

tucute

Relateds

trutrans

Synonyms

transmedicalist · transmed

Translations (1)

fr truscum (Translations)