Are you about to visit your niece or nephew? You could say you're on your way to spend time with your 'nibling.'
This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this expression.
Meaning
The expression 'nibling' is a gender-fluid and neutral term referring to a person's niece or nephew. Boys and girls can be 'niblings,' as it's not a gender-exclusive term. As a result, it's become a popular term in the modern gender-inclusive environment in developed nations like the US, UK, and EU.
If you enjoy promoting gender equality, 'nibling' is the ideal replacement for niece or nephew. It shows that you don't judge the person by their sex but rather leave them to decide their gender identity for themselves. It's a common term used by people following a 'woke' ideology.
Example Usage
"I'm going to my sister's house for a visit this weekend. I can't wait to meet my new nibling. She looks so cute in the photos."
"I love visiting my niblings. They are always so fun to hang around. All I have to do is bring presents, and they treat me like their best friend."
"What is a nibling? Is it a bunny rabbit that nibbles on stuff? What do you mean it's slang for my nephew? What do I call my niece then?"
"It's always fun when we get to see the niblings. My partner and I can't have kids, so we enjoy the opportunity to hang out with our niece and nephew."
Origin
The origin of the expression 'nibling' comes from Samuel E. Martin. Martin is a professor of Far Eastern linguistics at Yale University. He has a reputation for creating a romanization system transliterating Korean words.
Martin coined the expression in 1951 but failed to gain traction in media and culture for more than five decades. However, as the United States moved toward 'gender equality in the 2010s, the term experienced a revival.
The practice of referring to people without using their gender is becoming common in the US. Social justice warriors forbid the use of any gender-identifying terms for people. As a result, they quickly picked up the word 'nibling,' as it's gender-fluid and doesn't have a specific denotation to any gender.
While the word is common in the United States, it spreads worldwide in developed countries in the EU and the UK.
Phrases Similar to Nibling
- Niece/ nephew.
Phrases Opposite to Nibling
- Small child.
What is the Correct Saying?
- Nibling.
Ways People May Say Nibling Incorrectly
Some people may use the word nibling to describe small children and infants. While there’s nothing wrong with using it as a reference to these individuals, it’s incorrect. ‘Nibling’ only refers to your niece or nephew. It doesn’t describe children that have no relationship with you.
Acceptable Ways to Phrase Nibling
You can use the expression ‘nibling’ when referring to your niece or nephew. The term is gender fluid and relates to both boys and girls. Some people may suggest that using nibling as a term of endearment to your loved ones is giving into the ‘woke’ movement. However, nibling is an old term, predating the outbreak of wokeism across the US and EU.
You can use ‘nibling’ as a term of endearment for your niece or nephew, and it’s a fun way to refer to them without using a creepy pet name. Most people understand the meaning of ‘nibling’ even if they aren’t ‘woke.’ You can use nibling to reference either gender without confusing the child.