what does scissor sisters mean
“Scissor sisters” is a slang term from LGBTQ+ culture that usually refers to two women who are sexually involved with each other, based on the idea of the “scissoring” position (tribadism).
Below is a full “Quick Scoop” style breakdown.
What Does “Scissor Sisters” Mean?
Main meanings
- Sexual slang (most common today)
- Refers to two women who have sex with each other, specifically linked to the idea of “scissoring,” where two vulvas/genitals are pressed together.
* The underlying sex act is often described in sex-ed and queer slang as tribadism.
- As a label for a person
- “Scissor sister” (singular) can mean “a lesbian,” but it is considered vulgar slang, not a neutral or polite term.
- As a band name
- Scissor Sisters is also the name of a well-known American pop/disco/rock band formed in the early 2000s, known for queer-positive, flamboyant music and performances.
* The band chose the name as a playful, provocative reference to lesbian/queer culture.
Quick context table (slang vs band)
| Context | Meaning | How it’s used |
|---|---|---|
| Slang / LGBTQ+ | Two women who have sex with each other, linked to “scissoring” (tribadism). | Vulgar, sexual slang; can be playful in in-group contexts but offensive or objectifying in others. | [10][4][9][5]
| Identity label | “A lesbian.” | Again vulgar/slang, not a respectful default label for someone. | [9][5]
| Music / pop culture | Scissor Sisters, American band. | Name of a glam-disco-pop group with strong LGBTQ+ themes and fanbase. | [6][7][2][3]
Nuance and how people feel about it
- Some lesbian and queer women use the term jokingly or affectionately among themselves, especially in spaces where everyone understands it’s tongue‑in‑cheek.
- Others dislike it because it:
- Reduces lesbian sex to one stereotyped act.
- Feels like it was popularized as a fetishized image for straight male audiences.
- Many language guides emphasize using it carefully (or not at all) in mixed company, because it’s sexual, informal, and can be objectifying if applied to people who haven’t chosen it.
A useful rule of thumb: it’s slang, not a neutral identity label, so don’t call someone a “scissor sister” unless they’ve clearly claimed or joked about it themselves.
Where you’ll see it discussed (forums & “latest” chatter)
- Online forums & Q&A sites
- People often ask exactly what you’re asking—if it’s about the band, lesbian sex, or just “girls who are close.” Most answers clarify it’s lesbian sex slang first, band name second.
- Blogs & explainers (2020s–2026)
- Newer explainers frame “scissor sisters” as:
- A lesbian/queer slang term.
- A cultural symbol tied to queer visibility via the band and broader LGBTQ+ representation.
- Newer explainers frame “scissor sisters” as:
How to interpret it in real life
Use the surrounding context:
- Talking about music, concerts, or albums
- Probably the band Scissor Sisters.
- Used in a sexual or jokey way about women together
- Almost certainly the slang for two women having sex (“scissoring”).
- Used casually about two close female friends
- Sometimes it’s used jokingly to mean “very close girlfriends,” but it still carries sexual overtones, so it can easily be misread or feel uncomfortable.
Mini storytelling-style example
Imagine a group chat where someone posts:
“We’re basically scissor sisters at this point 😂”
If they’re two women who are openly dating, it’s probably a tongue‑in‑cheek way to say “we’re very gay for each other” and referencing the slang.
If it’s two straight friends, they might just be trying to be edgy or funny—without fully realizing the explicit sexual meaning behind the phrase, which can make others in the chat cringe.
TL;DR
- The phrase “scissor sisters” most commonly means two women who have sex with each other, based on the “scissoring” position (tribadism), and it’s vulgar sexual slang.
- It’s also the name of a famous American band known for flamboyant, queer-affirming pop/disco music.
- Because it’s sexual and can be objectifying, it’s better not to call people “scissor sisters” unless they clearly use it for themselves.
Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.