She/they pronouns – Meaning, Origin and Usage

Are you curious about she/they pronouns? Wondering what they mean and how to use them? This blog post is for you! In this post, let's explore the history of she/they pronouns, their usage, and tips on best incorporating them into your writing. Stay tuned! This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this expression.

Meaning

She/they pronouns can be used to refer to a single person who identifies as female or non-binary (i.e., they do not identify as male or female), respectively. These pronouns are often used by people who do not wish to use he/him or she/her pronouns, either because they do not identify with either gender or because they feel that their gender is non-binary.

When we talk about "she/they pronouns," we are referring to a set of pronouns that can be used to refer to a singular person. The most common she/they pronoun is "she." However, other she/they pronouns are also used, such as "he," "him," and "it."

"They" is also she/they pronoun, but it is less common than "she." "They" can refer to a singular person who does not identify as male or female. The use of she/they pronouns is becoming more and more common. If you are unsure what pronouns to use for someone, you can always ask them what their preferred pronouns are.

Example Usage

  • My name is Alex, but you can call me by my she/they pronouns.
  • I want to know what your she/they pronouns are?
  • You can tell me your she/they pronouns.
  • My she/they pronouns are 'he' and 'him.'

Origin

The use of she/they pronouns can be traced back to the late 1800s. During that era, there was a growing movement of people who did not identify as male or female. These people were looking for a way to express their non-binary identities, so they began using she/they pronouns.

"They" was initially used as a singular pronoun in the English language, but it fell out of usage in the early 1900s. However, "they"  is again used as a singular pronoun for people who identify as non-binary.

Anyone who has ever attended a high school or college class knows that there are always students who are recognized as transgender or gender non-conforming. For these people, using incorrect pronouns can be frustrating, painful, and ostracizing. It is why it's essential to be mindful of the pronouns people use for themselves and always to respect someone's pronouns.

Pronouns are an integral part of our language, and they can tell us a lot about a person's identity. If you do not know what pronouns to use, the best thing to do is ask them directly.

Phrases Similar to She/they pronouns

  • non-binary pronouns
  • gender-neutral pronouns
  • singular they pronoun
  • preferred pronouns

Phrases opposite to She/they pronouns

  • Gendered pronouns
  • Male or female pronouns
  • He/him/his pronouns
  • She/her/hers pronouns

What is The Correct Saying?

There is no correct way of saying this as everyone is different and will have their preference on what pronouns they use. However, it is always best practice to ask someone their preferred pronouns directly to avoid any potential hurt feelings or misunderstandings.

Ways People May Incorrectly Say She/They pronouns.

When people refer to the pronoun "she," they usually refer to a female. However, there are times when people may incorrectly use this pronoun. Here are some ways that people may incorrectly say "she":

  1. When referring to a transgender or gender non-conforming, people may mistakenly use the pronoun "she" to refer to this person. It is incorrect and can be offensive.
  2. When referring to a group of people, some of whom are female and some male, people may incorrectly use the pronoun "she" to refer to all of the people in the group.

Acceptable Ways to Phrase She/they pronouns

She/They pronouns can be used in various ways, depending on the person's preference. It is essential to be respectful when asking someone their preferred pronouns. Some people may not feel comfortable sharing this information, and that is okay. It is also necessary to use the correct pronouns when referring to someone.

If someone tells you their preferred pronouns, it is vital to use them. It is also essential to avoid making assumptions about someone's pronouns.

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