Difference Between Ladyboy and Shemale

Main Difference – Ladyboy vs Shemale

Ldayboy and shemale are two terms that have similar meanings. Both are politically incorrect terms to refer to transgender women. Although the meanings of these are similar, there is a difference between ladyboy and shemale based on their usage. The word shemale is typically used to refer to transgender women in prostitution or porn industry whereas ladyboy is a word that specifically refers to transgender women in the Far East countries such as Thailand. This is the main difference between ladyboy and shemale.

This article explains, 

1. Who is a Ladyboy?
     – Meaning, Features, Origins, Usage

2. Who is a Shemale?
     – Meaning, Features, Origins, Usage

3. What is the difference between Ladyboy and Shemale?

Who is a Shemale

A shemale is a slang that refers to a transvestite or transsexual. Shemale specifically refers to transgender women with male genitalia and female secondary sex characteristics including wider hips and breasts. They may have obtained these secondary sex characteristics through different procedures such as hormones or surgery. This word is typically used to refer to transgender women involved in the porn industry or prostitution. It can also refer to transgender people who have transitioned to female but have not yet undergone genital surgery.

The term shemale, a compound noun made using the two words she and male, was first used in the mid-nineteenth century as a humorous colloquialism for aggressive females. But in contemporary usage, this term is used in an insulting sense. It is offensive and derogatory to call someone a shemale. The politically and officially correct word is transgender female or women.

Who is a Ladyboy

Ladyboy is a transsexual or transvestite. This especially refers to transgender women or effeminate gay men in Thailand. The equivalent Thai term for ladyboy is Kathoey or katoey. Ladyboys dress as women and undergo medical procedures such as hormone or silicone injections, and breast implants. Many ladyboys in Thailand work in predominately female occupations, such as in shops, beauty salons, and restaurants. They also work in entertainment centers such as cabarets and as sex workers. 

Ladyboys are generally more visible and accepted in Thai culture than transgender people in other Asian countries. Several Thai models, singers, and actresses are ladyboys. Although the word ladyboy is often used to refer to transgender women in Thailand, this term is politically incorrect. The official and politically correct term would be transgender woman or transwoman. This word is also commonly used by Asians; westerners would use this term to refer to transgender woman in the porn industry.

Difference Between Ladyboy and Shemale

Meaning

Ladyboy: Ladyboy is a transgender woman.

Shemale: Shemale is a transgender woman.

Shemale and ladyboy have the same meaning; however, their usage is slightly different.

Usage

Ladyboy: This word is specially used in Asian countries to refer to transgender women in Thailand.

Shemale: This word is specially used to refer to transgender women in prostitution or porn industry.

Origin

Ladyboy: Ladyboy is considered to be the English equivalent for Thai Kathoey, which refers to transgender women.

Shemale: The word shemale came into use in the mid-nineteenth century and was originally used to describe aggressive females.

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