Do you know what she/her pronouns mean? Probably not, because they aren't commonly used. Many people don't know that they even exist. She/her pronouns are a little-known but significant part of the English language. Let's have a closer look at their history. This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this expression.
Meaning
There are many various classes of pronouns, each with its unique meaning and purpose. She/her pronouns identify someone who identifies as a female. They are often used in place of a person's name or to describe someone in a gender-neutral way.
Many English literature students may be unfamiliar with this usage, but it is crucial to understand its meaning to be respectful and inclusive when writing papers or speaking in class.
There are many different pronouns, and each one has a specific meaning. She/her pronouns are often used in place of terms like "woman" or "female" and can be used by anyone who feels comfortable using them. While they may seem simple at first glance, she/her pronouns have a rich history that dates back centuries. Let's get to know where they came from and how they're used today.
Example Usage
- I asked my friend what her pronouns were, and she told me she uses she/her.
- The class is using she/her pronouns for new students.
- The writer of this article uses she/her pronouns.
- I was surprised to learn that my professor uses she/her pronouns.
- I'm unsure what his pronouns are, so I'll use she/her until I find out.
- Taylor ate hir dinner; ze is full now.
Origin
The modern feminine "she" pronoun can be traced back to the old English word. English literature's first recorded use of she/her pronouns dates back to the late 1700s. She/her pronouns have been used in English literature and poetry. In the early 1800s, she/her pronouns began to be used more frequently in everyday speech and writing. This usage continued to grow throughout the 19th and 20th centuries.
Today, she/her pronouns are some of the most commonly used pronouns in the English language. They are used in various contexts, including both formal and informal settings.
In the 2010s, she/her pronouns became more popular due to the rise of the transgender rights movement. Many transgender and gender non-conforming people began using she/her pronouns to describe themselves. This usage was later adopted by many cisgender people as well.
Phrases Similar to She/her pronouns
- He/him pronouns
- They/them pronouns
- Ze/hir pronouns
- Xe/xem pronouns
Phrases opposite to She/her pronouns
- Man
- Woman
- Male
- Female
- Girl
- Boy
What is The Correct Saying?
They can be used in various ways, depending on the context and the person's preference.
For example:
- Someone may use she/her pronouns in place of gendered terms like "woman" or "female."
- One way is to say "she" and "here," emphasizing the second syllable of each word.
- Another way is to say "she" and "her," stressing the first syllable of each word.
- Some prefer "she" and "hers" because they sound more feminine.
- Others find that "she" and "here" is less gendered and therefore feel more inclusive.
Ways People May Incorrectly Say She/her pronouns.
When referring to someone transgender or non-binary, it is essential to use the pronoun they have selected for themselves. She/her pronouns are often incorrectly used when referring to a trans woman when in reality, she/her pronouns should only be used for cisgender women. It is an important distinction to make. Using the wrong pronoun can be exceedingly hurtful to a trans person.
Acceptable Ways to Phrase She/her pronouns
When referring to someone by their pronouns, it is considered good manners to use the pronoun they have told you that they prefer. For example, if someone tells you their preferred pronoun is "she/her," you should refer to them as "she/her" in conversation.
If you do not know someone's pronoun, you can ask them. It is considered polite to ask someone their pronoun before assuming which one they use. For example, you can ask, "What pronouns do you use?" or "How would you like me to refer to you?"