What does afab mean Meaning and Definition

Pronunciation

/ˈeɪfæb/ Speak

Part of Speech

Affirmative, binary female, sometimes also referred to as AMAB but both of those definitions are related to person who identifies or is seen as female, despite being assigned male at birth.

Definition

A term used to describe a person who was assigned male at birth but identifies and is seen as a woman, often used in the community of Trans, non-binary, and other gender minority individuals.

Examples

• She identifies as AFAB and has been through hormone replacement therapy to transition as female.
• As a trans woman who is AFAB, she experiences unique challenges in her everyday life.

Synonyms

• Binary female
• Affirmative woman, AMAB can also sometimes be synonymously used, but that definition is not the same

Antonyms

• AMAB – assigned male at birth, although not the same in definition.
• Non-binary/other gender minority, however this is not an antonym in the same sense as some other words as AFAB is a ‘how a person see theirselves’ in a way.

Etymology

The term “AFAB” is a relatively recent development in the trans and non-binary communities, emerging from online forums and social media platforms. It is likely a shortened form of “Assigned Female At Birth”, although there is no clear etymology for the term.

Usage Notes

AFAB is primarily used within the trans and non-binary communities to describe individuals who were assigned male at birth but identify as women. It is essential to use this term respectfully and only with those who identify as AFAB.

Cultural References

The term AFAB has been used in various cultural references, including in online forums, social media platforms, and within the LGBTQ+ community. However, it is essential to recognize that AFAB is not a medical or psychiatric term and should not be used in professional or academic contexts.

Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases

• AFAB and AMAB (Assigned Male At Birth) are sometimes used alongside other idioms like “misgendered” or “not read as female.”

Related Words or Phrases

• Assigned Female at Birth
• Assigned Male at Birth
• Non-binary / other gender minority

Collocations

• Identify as AFAB / AMAB
• AFAB and trans woman

Frequency of Use

The term AFAB is relatively common within online communities and forums. However, it is essential to note that its usage may vary depending on the context and audience.

Common Misspellings

• Afabb
• Afhab

Certification

It’s not possible to get a certification for being afab as it’s a personal identity.

Additional Information

AFAB is a term used to describe individuals who were assigned male at birth but have transitioned and identify as women. Being AFAB can bring challenges due to societal expectations and experiences of cis men. Furthermore, some trans women are assigned male at birth, giving them the label AFAB by default.

AFAB individuals may experience difficulties in asserting their femininity within cis and trans community norms.

The AFAB identity intersects with many other identities and experiences, such as racial, ethnic, socio-economic, and class. However, it is essential to understand that being AFAB does not give you a different kind of power or position than someone who is AMAB.

This is only true if that someone sees or accepts an AFAB as a woman who lives with their female identity, understanding of an AFAB women and every other gender role and identity is subjective and may vary across various places, countries, cultures or even communities.