Lesbian women have often been referred to as “dykes” by their critics. This word is cruel and shouldn’t be used. While it has been reclaimed within the lesbian community to some degree, like "fag" or "faggot" for gay men, there is something about this word that makes it seem worse. Perhaps it is the harsh sound of the word "dyke," or perhaps it is the fact that so many times it is a word of insult and attack.