They are males who look like women. They may or may not have had an operation. They may or may not be taking/ or have taken hormones. They are usually attracted to males.
No, a "shemale" is a term used exclusively in regards to the adult entertainment business. The same goes with other phrases, such as "ladyboy" and "tranny." A shemale, ladyboy, tranny, etc is born a...
A she-male is a term (often derogatory) describing biologial males (with male parts and XY genes) who have gotten breast implants or are taking hormones but have not and in most cases plan not to,...