7554 words in 32 dialects and counting.
Western Dialect / Glossary
United States of America [US]
The dialect of the old West
Word: berdache
Translation:
transvestiteMeaning:
An Indian male who dressed and lived entirely as a woman fulfiling that cultural role within the tribe. Sometimes called in Indian languages a would be woman and sometimes thought of as a third sex. Common among the tribes of the Americas these men-women had social and religious powers. They might be givers of sacred names; first to strike the sun-dance pole; leaders of scalp dances; good luck to war parties; visionaries and predictors of the future; matchmakers; excellent artisans in beadwork quillwork hide-tanning and making clothing; creators and singers of songs. Understood as following a vision by most Indians they were not tolerated by whites. They persist today discreetly.Other Words from Western
Share this: 
