What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
femme
Example
She was a femme fatale, with her long hair and red lipstick. [femme: noun]
Example
The lesbian couple both identified as femmes and enjoyed dressing up for dates. [femmes: plural noun]
woman
Example
She is a strong and independent woman who runs her own business. [woman: noun]
Example
I identify as a woman and I am proud of my gender. [woman: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Woman is much more commonly used than femme in everyday language. Woman is a versatile word that can be used in many different contexts, while femme is a more niche term that is primarily used in LGBTQ+ communities.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between femme and woman?
Woman is a more formal term than femme, which is more casual and informal. Woman can be used in professional or academic contexts, while femme is more commonly used in personal or social contexts.
