Editing Gender neutral language in English

{{Template:Gender neutral language}}
'''Gender neutral language in English''' is easier than [[gender neutral language]] (also called gender inclusive language) in many other languages, because its grammatical gender is less pervasive than in, say, German or French. See the main article on [[gender neutral language]] for general reasons to use neutral language, common problems in using it, and its use for [[nonbinary]] people.

==History==

Although English has grammatical gender, it's only a vestige of what it once had. Old English once had grammatical gender for inanimate objects, but this practice started to disappear in the 700s, and vanished in the 1200s. The population of England at that time spoke several languages, and the same inanimate objects had different genders in those different languages. They may have stopped using that part entirely just to make it simpler. English stopped using grammatical gender for inanimate objects, but it still uses grammatical gender for people and personal pronouns.<ref>Dictionary.com. "English used to have gendered nouns?! Yes!" May 16, 2012. ''Dictionary.com'' (blog). [http://blog.dictionary.com/oldenglishgender/ http://blog.dictionary.com/oldenglishgender/] [https://web.archive.org/web/20220322012738/http://blog.dictionary.com/oldenglishgender/ Archived] on 17 July 2023</ref> There is enough to make a challenge for nonbinary people who don't want gendered language to be used for them.

Gender-neutral language has become common in English today largely thanks to the pioneering work by feminists Casey Miller and Kate Swift. During the 1970s, they began the work of encouraging inclusive language, as an alternative to sexist language that excludes or dehumanizes women. Miller and Swift wrote a manual on gender-neutral language, ''The Handbook of Nonsexist Writing'' (1980). Miller and Swift also proposed a set of gender-neutral pronouns, [[English neutral pronouns#Tey|tey]], although they later favored [[English neutral pronouns#They|singular they]], or [[English neutral pronouns#He or she|he or she]].<ref>Elizabeth Isele, "Casey Miller and Kate Swift: Women who dared to disturb the lexicon." http://scholar.lib.vt.edu/ejournals/old-WILLA/fall94/h2-isele.html  [https://web.archive.org/web/20230528025157/https://scholar.lib.vt.edu/ejournals/old-WILLA/fall94/h2-isele.html Archived] on 17 July 2023</ref> There are several books on gender-neutral English, such as Rosalie Maggio's book ''The Nonsexist Word Finder: A Dictionary of Gender-Free Usage'' (1989).

==Words and alternatives==

This is a list of both standard (dictionary) and non-standard (created) terms and pronouns to include [[nonbinary gender|nonbinary identities]]. It should be noted that while some are [[agender|genderless]] or [[third gender]], others are multigender. Terms will be marked with the implied gender identity when possible.

===Pronouns===

''See main article at [[English neutral pronouns]].''

===Titles===

''For gender-neutral replacements of titles like Ms and Mr, see main article at [[Gender neutral titles]].''

==== Honorifics ====

===== Ma'am/Sir =====
Standard English doesn't have a gender neutral word that's used in the same way as Ma'am and Sir — a formal form of address used in some places to show respect, and commonly required for use by customer service professionals. People have created some words to fill this lexical gap, but they remain uncommon words. People have also suggested using other words in place of Ma'am and Sir, but they tend to fail the tests of formality and simplicity that customer service professionals (and their managers) apply to such usage.  {{Common word|word1=Friend|meaning1=Neutral, informal.|ref1=|word2=Tiz|meaning2=A gender-neutral replacement for ma'am/sir, from Citizen.}}

* Citizen; neutral.
*Comrade; neutral, has Socialist, Communist and/or Anarchist connotations.
* Friend; neutral, very informal.
* Laddam; queer, a mix of Lad and Madam.
* M.; Neutral abbreviation for miss/ms./mrs./mr./mister/ma'am/mx.
* Mamsir/Mamser; a mix of ma'am and sir that is commonly used in Philippine English as a respectful term of address for adults regardless of gender identity or presentation.<ref>[[wikt:mamsir#English|mamsir]]. ''Wiktionary, The Free Dictionary.'' 16 May 2024. Retrieved 20 June 2024.</ref>
* Mezz; pronounced [mɛz].<ref name="MoserDevereux2016">{{cite journal|last1=Moser|first1=Charles|last2=Devereux|first2=Maura|title=Gender neutral pronouns: A modest proposal|journal=International Journal of Transgenderism|volume=20|issue=2-3|year=2016|pages=331–332|issn=1553-2739|doi=10.1080/15532739.2016.1217446}}</ref>
* Mir; queer, a mix of Sir and Madam.
* Mirdam; queer, a mix of Sir and Madam, although it still sounds similar to Madam.
* Mistdam; queer, a mix of Mister and Madam.
*Mistrum: queer; a neutral alternative to Mister and Mistress.
*Pe'n; neutral, short for "person", pronounced "pen"
* Sa'am; a mix of sir and ma'am. Sounds like a masculine leaning name.
* Sir; neutral, Sir is used neutrally in the military, although this doesn’t work as well outside of that.
* Sir’ram; queer, a mix of Sir and Ma’am.

* Shazam; neutral, coined by a highschool student wishing to address a nonbinary teacher with a formal term of respect.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.facebook.com/groups/1601168520209978/|title=Facebook Groups|website=www.facebook.com|language=en|access-date=2020-11-18|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201111230125/https://www.facebook.com/groups/1601168520209978/|archive-date=17 July 2023}}</ref>
*Tiz; neutral, short for citizen.
* Zam; neutral, based on shazam, coined by Arin Wolfe.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.facebook.com/groups/1601168520209978/|title=Facebook Groups|website=www.facebook.com|language=en|access-date=2020-11-18|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201111230125/https://www.facebook.com/groups/1601168520209978/|archive-date=17 July 2023}}</ref>
*Ser; neutral, based on Final Fantasy XIV's usage for both male and female knights of Ishgard.
*Mx.; neutral, used similar to Mr. Mrs. or Ms. Pronounced [mɪks].
*'Surname'/'Initial.' 'Surname'; Just the surname or the first name's inital followed by the surname.

===Common nouns===

{|class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align: center;"
! Type of common noun
! Feminine
! Masculine
! Gender inclusive (could be masculine or feminine)
! Specifically nonbinary
|-
| Young person
| Girl, maiden
| Boy, lad
| Child, kid, infant, teen, teenager, tween, young person, youth
| Enby
|-
| Adult person
| Woman, gal, lady
| Man, guy, gentleman
| Adult, gentlebeing, gentleperson, grownup
| Enby, enban
|-
| Person of any age
| Female
| Male
| Being, human, human being, individual, one, person, somebody, someone
| Enby
|}
(Note that using "male" and "female" as nouns for people, e.g. "my dentist is a male", is seen as dehumanising in English, and in particular "female" as a noun is considered sexist.)
(Note 2: Some nonbinary people dislike "enby" and feel it is infantilizing.<ref>https://nonbinarywiki.tumblr.com/post/621003149724041217/on-enby-and-age [https://web.archive.org/web/20201030060232/https://nonbinarywiki.tumblr.com/post/621003149724041217/on-enby-and-age Archived] on 17 July 2023</ref>)

===Family and relationship words===

''See also: [[family]] and [[intimacy]].''

====Parent====

Parents as in the formal words mother or father, or the informal mama or dada. Gender-neutral and gender-inclusive words for a parent of any gender, or non-standard specifically nonbinary, [[queer]], or [[genderqueer]] words.

{{common word|word1 = Parent|meaning1 = Neutral, formal|ref1=<ref name="titles queeries" />}}

* '''Guardian/Caregiver.''' Not necessarily the parent.

* '''Baba.''' "Neutral, based on mama and dada. (Note, baba means dad in some languages and grandmother in others.)"<ref name="titles queeries">"Gender neutral/queer titles." ''Gender Queeries.'' [http://genderqueeries.tumblr.com/titles http://genderqueeries.tumblr.com/titles] [https://web.archive.org/web/20230612130812/https://genderqueeries.tumblr.com/titles Archived] on 17 July 2023</ref>
* '''Bibi.''' "Queer, based on the B in NB [nonbinary], similar to mama and papa/dada."<ref name="titles queeries" />
* '''Cenn.''' "Neutral, short for cennend," which see.<ref name="titles queeries" />
* '''Cennend.''' "Neutral, Old English (Anglo-Saxon) meaning parent."<ref name="titles queeries" />
* '''Da.''' "Queer mixture (note: sounds like Ma, Pa). However, "Da'" is used in some areas of Britain and Ireland as a shortened form of "Dad".
*'''Dommy.''' "Queer, mixture of mommy and daddy (note: sounds like Dom/me, a BDSM term)."<ref name="titles queeries" />
* '''Mada.''' Queer, mixture of mama and dad.
* '''Maddy.''' "Queer, mixture of mummy/mommy and daddy."<ref name="titles queeries" /> Note: Sometimes used to mean a [[trans woman]] who has children.<ref name="Lane-glossary">{{Cite web |title=LGBTQ Glossary |last=Lane |first=S. Nicole |work=Chicago Reader |date=26 June 2019 |access-date=18 November 2020 |url= https://www.chicagoreader.com/chicago/lgbtq-glossary/Content?oid=71278133|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200918222303/https://www.chicagoreader.com/chicago/lgbtq-glossary/Content?oid=71278133 |archive-date=17 July 2023 }}</ref>
* '''Moddy.''' "Queer, mixture of mommy and daddy."<ref name="titles queeries" />
*'''Moppa / Mopa.'''  A mix of mommy and papa.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.same-sexparents.com/post/gender-neutral-non-binary-parent-titles|title=Gender Neutral/Non-Binary Parent Titles|last=Parents|first=Same Sex|date=2019-03-22|website=Same Sex Parents|language=en|access-date=2020-11-18|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230326100126/https://www.same-sexparents.com/post/gender-neutral-non-binary-parent-titles|archive-date=17 July 2023}}</ref>
* '''Muddy.''' "Queer, mixture of mummy and daddy."<ref name="titles queeries" />
* '''Nibi.''' "A mix of ''bibi'' and ''nini''."
* '''Nini.''' "Queer, based on the N in NB, similar to mama and papa/dada."<ref name="titles queeries" />
* '''Non.''' Follows a similar pattern (CvC) to Mom or Dad, could be short for "nonbinary".
*'''Nonny.''' Based on the N in NB, similar to Mommy or Daddy, generally used when a child is referring to their nonbinary parent.
*'''Numa.''' A nickname that was repurposed to be a parent name. Coincidentally like a combination of Nonbinary Mumma.
* '''Par.''' "Neutral, short for parent."<ref name="titles queeries" />
*'''Pare''': Short for '''pare'''nt. Can call to mind an au pair, which is a live in childcare worker (usually a woman but not always). The term means equal to, implying that one is equal to a mother or father. Also similar to père, or the French word for father. Other associations include pear (the fruit) or pair, as in the other half of a couple.
* '''Parental Unit (PU).''' Neutral, informal, humorous, possibly disrespectful. Used by the alien family in ''Coneheads,'' and taken up by popular culture.<ref name="titles queeries" />
* '''Per.''' "Neutral, short for parent."<ref name="titles queeries" /> (See also: [[Pronouns#Per|per pronouns]] and [[Gender neutral titles#Pr|Pr title]].)
* '''Ren.''' Derived from "pa<u>ren</u>t." Gender-neutral. The equivalent to mommy or daddy is "renny." Coined or popularized by Katie Hall in 2017.<ref> Katie Hall. June 11, 2017. 
https://ithelpstodream.tumblr.com/post/161695436793  [https://web.archive.org/web/20201118191559/https://ithelpstodream.tumblr.com/post/161695436793 Archived] on 17 July 2023</ref>
* '''Rent. ''' Short form of parent.
* '''Wawa.''' "Neutral, based on mama and papa/dada". Phonologically easy for small children to say, no known gender connotations.
* '''Zaza.''' "Queer, based on mama and papa/dada."<ref name="titles queeries" /><ref name="Lane-glossary" />
* '''Zither.''' "Queer, based on mother and father. (Note, zither is also the name of a musical instrument.)"<ref name="titles queeries" />

====Child====

Some of these gender-inclusive or gender-queer words refer only to relationship (as in daughter, son, or offspring), others only to age (girl, boy, or young one), and some to both (children).

{{common word
|word1 = Baby|meaning1 = Standard neutral word for very young offspring or very young people.
|word2 = Child|meaning2 = Standard gender neutral word for a young person or an offspring. Implied age isn't adult, but may be.
|word3 = Kid|meaning3 = Standard informal gender neutral term for young children or young offspring.}}

* '''Bitsy.''' Non-standard [[genderqueer]] term for a very young person.<ref name="titles queeries" />
* '''Charge.''' Standard gender neutral word for a person in the care of another, often one's child.
* '''Dependent.''' A person who relies on another-- usually a family member who may or may not be their parent-- for financial support; this is most often used as a standard gender-neutral word for a child too young to work. Formal.
* '''Enby.''' From "NB (nonbinary)", a nonbinary equivalent of the words "boy" and "girl." However, some adults call themselves enbies.<ref>''[https://web.archive.org/web/20210717090737/https://gendercensus.com/post/620965788841558016/on-enby-and-age On “enby” and age]'', 15 June 2020, [https://gendercensus.com Gender Census]</ref>
* '''Get.''' Poetic language for offspring.
* '''Little one.''' Neutral word for a very young child or young offspring.
* '''Minor.''' Standard gender-neutral word for a person under the legal age of consent.
* '''Nesser.''' Non-standard genderqueer term for "daughter/son".<ref name="titles queeries" />
* '''Offspring.''' Neutral, standard word, but not usually used for people, except in legal language.
* '''Oldest/First-born.''' Neutral, a way of speaking of one's offspring by saying "my oldest" or "first-born", rather than saying "my daughter/son."<ref name="titles queeries" />
* '''Progeny.''' Neutral, means offspring.
* '''Second-born.''' Neutral, a way of speaking of one's offspring by saying "my second-born," rather than saying "my daughter/son." Also works for middle-, third-, fourth-, fifth-born etc. <ref name="titles queeries" />
* '''Scion.''' Neutral, means offspring.
* '''Spawn.''' Neutral, means offspring.
* '''Sprog.''' Neutral, crude word for a young person.<ref name="titles queeries" /><ref name="Lane-glossary" />
* '''Youth.''' Neutral, poetic word for a young person, but usually implied to be male.
* '''Young.''' Neutral, standard word for offspring, but not usually used for people ("my young.")
* '''Youngest/Last-born.''' Neutral, a way of speaking of one's offspring by saying "my youngest" or "last-born" rather than saying "my daughter/son."<ref name="titles queeries" />
* '''Young one.''' Neutral, poetic. Alternatively: young'un.
* '''Young person.''' Neutral, standard, formal.
* '''Ward.''' Standard gender-neutral word for a person, usually a child, under the care of an adult, who may or may not be their parent. Formal.

====Aunt/Uncle====

Standard English doesn't have a gender neutral word for one's parent's sibling. People have created some words to fill this lexical gap, but they are still uncommon words.

{{common word
|word1 = Auncle|meaning1 = Combination of aunt and uncle.|ref1 = <ref>[https://twitter.com/NonbinaryWiki/status/1075824956733317121 Poll on Twitter]. [https://web.archive.org/web/20230706011419/https://twitter.com/NonbinaryWiki/status/1075824956733317121 Archived] on 17 July 2023</ref>
|word2=Pibling|meaning2=Neutral alternative for one's parent’s sibling.|ref2=[https://www.lgbtqnation.com/2023/04/a-guide-to-inclusive-gender-neutral-family-terms/]}}

* '''Avaunt.''' It derives from the roots of both "aunt" and "uncle", the anglo-French "aunte" and the Latin "avunculus".
* '''Bibi.''' "Queer, based on the B in NB [nonbinary], similar to Titi/Zizi."<ref name="titles queeries" />
* '''Cousin.''' "Neutral, as sometimes people say aunt/uncle for parents’ cousins, or much older cousins."<ref name="titles queeries" />
*'''Nibi.''' Combination of Nini and Bibi, based on NB.
* '''Entle.''' "Non-standard alternative that combines the sounds of ''aunt'' and ''uncle'' in a single word."<ref>[https://overexplainingautistic.tumblr.com/post/172886551884/gender-neutral-variant-of-auntuncle?is_related_post=1 Gender neutral variant of aunt/uncle] by Over Explaining Autistic [https://web.archive.org/web/20201030111225/https://overexplainingautistic.tumblr.com/post/172886551884/gender-neutral-variant-of-auntuncle?is_related_post=1 Archived] on 17 July 2023</ref>
* '''Nini.''' "Queer, based on the N in NB, similar to Titi/Zizi."<ref name="titles queeries" />
* '''Ommer.''' Non-standard genderqueer term for "aunt/uncle".
*'''Oggy.''' Non-standard genderqueer/nonbinary term for parents sibling.
* '''Titi.''' "Neutral, from the Spanish for Aunt (Tia) and Uncle (Tio). (however, it is often a diminuative of aunt.) Tie is also gaining popularity the neutral e becoming more prevalent in casual Spanish. "<ref name="titles queeries" /> "Titi" also happens to be a vulgar Filipino term for penis.{{Citation needed}}
* '''Zizi.''' "Neutral, from the Italian for Aunt (Zia) and Uncle (Zio). (Note: zizi is also a French children’s ‘cute’ word for penis.)"<ref name="titles queeries" />
* '''Untie/Unty.''' "Queer, combination of uncle and auntie/aunty."<ref name="titles queeries" />

====Niece/Nephew====

Standard English doesn't have a gender neutral word for one's sibling's child. People have created some words to fill this lexical gap, but they are still uncommon words.

{{common word
|word1 = Nibling|meaning1 = Non-standard gender neutral term for "niece/nephew".|ref1 = <ref>[http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/nibling Coined by linguist Samuel E. Martin in 1951 from nephew/niece by analogy with sibling.] [https://web.archive.org/web/20230123013849/https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/nibling Archived] on 17 July 2023</ref>
}}

* '''Chibling.''' "Neutral, the children of your sibling."<ref name="titles queeries" />
* '''Cousin.''' "Neutral, as sometimes people say niece/nephew for cousins’ children, or much younger cousins."<ref name="titles queeries" />
* '''Nespring.''' A mix of ''offspring'' and the Latin word ''nepos'', from which both ''niece'' and ''nephew'' are derived.
* '''Niecew.''' "Queer, mixture of niece and nephew."<ref name="titles queeries" />
* '''Nieph.''' "Queer, mixture of niece and nephew."<ref name="titles queeries" />
* '''Niephling.''' Neutral, mixture of niece, nephew, and sibling. <ref>Jed Hartman. "nibling, niephling, niefling, etc" Oct. 27, 2008. ''Neology'' (blog) https://www.kith.org/journals/neology/2008/10/nibling_niephling_niefling_etc.html [https://web.archive.org/web/20230609233607/https://www.kith.org/journals/neology/2008/10/nibling_niephling_niefling_etc.html Archived] on 17 July 2023</ref>
* '''Nephiece.''' "Queer, mixture of nephew and niece."<ref name="titles queeries" />
* '''Sibkid.''' "Neutral, short for sibling’s kid."<ref name="titles queeries" />
* '''Niephew.''' "A mixture of niece and nephew."<ref name="Lang">{{Cite web |title=Cory Booker: Nonbinary ‘Niephew’ Taught Me How to Be Trans Ally |last=Lang |first=Nico |work=out.com |date=21 August 2019 |access-date=9 June 2020 |url= https://www.out.com/politics/2019/8/21/cory-booker-nonbinary-niephew-taught-me-how-be-trans-ally|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230331003845/https://www.out.com/politics/2019/8/21/cory-booker-nonbinary-niephew-taught-me-how-be-trans-ally |archive-date=17 July 2023 }}</ref>

====Grandparent====

Gender-neutral or genderqueer words for grandparent.

{{common word
|word1 = Grandparent|meaning1 = Neutral, formal.|ref1 = <ref name="titles queeries" />}}

* '''Bibi.''' "Queer, based on the B in NB, similar to nana and papa."<ref name="titles queeries" />
* '''Grandwa.''' "Queer, based on grandma and grandpa."<ref name="titles queeries" />
* '''Grandy.'''' "Neutral, short for Grandparent, Grandma or Grandpa."<ref name="titles queeries" /><ref name="Lane-glossary" />
* '''Nini.''' "Queer, based on the N in NB, similar to nana and papa."<ref name="titles queeries" />
*'''Gran'''. Short for grandparent, grandmother, or grandfather. Has feminine connotations.

====Sibling====

Gender-neutral or genderqueer words for sibling.

{{common word
|word1 = Sibling | meaning1 = Standard gender neutral term for sister or brother.
|word2 = Sib | meaning2 = Short for sibling, equivalent of ''bro'' or ''sis''.|word3=Younger/Little sibling, older/big sibling|meaning3=Neutral equivalent to younger/little brother/sister and older/big brother/sister}}

* '''Emmer.''' Non-standard genderqueer term for sibling.
* '''Sibster.''' "Queer, combination of sibling and sister."<ref name="titles queeries" />
* '''Sibter.''' "Queer, combination of sibling and brother."<ref name="titles queeries" />

====Partner====

Gender-inclusive or genderqueer words for tentative romantic and sexual partners (as in girlfriend, boyfriend, or date) as well as permanent ones (as in wife, husband, or spouse).

=====Date=====

Gender-neutral and genderqueer words for a non-committed relationship, such as boyfriend, girlfriend, or date.

{{common word
|word1 = Date |meaning1 = Neutral, the person you are dating.|ref1 = <ref name="titles queeries" />
|word2 = Love/Lover|meaning2 = Neutral, often implies sexual relationship, but simply refers to someone you love/who loves you.|ref2 = <ref name="titles queeries" />
|word3 = Sweetie/Sweetheart |meaning3 = Neutral, cheesy or old-fashioned.|ref3 = <ref name="titles queeries" />}}

* '''Birlfriend.''' "Queer, mix of boyfriend and girlfriend."<ref name="titles queeries" /> [[Birl]] is also a particular gender identity.
* '''Boifriend.''' "Queer, [[boi]] is a particular gender identity."<ref name="titles queeries" />
* '''Boo.''' From "beau". Originated in African American English, but now used more widely.
* '''Bothfriend.''' "Queer, for [[bigender]] or [[androgynous]] people."<ref name="titles queeries" />
* '''Boygirlfriend.''' "Queer, for bigender or androgynous people."<ref name="titles queeries" />
* '''Cuddle Buddy.''' "Neutral, cheesy."<ref name="titles queeries" />
* '''Darling.''' Neutral, a general term of affection, similar to sweetheart but not antiquated.
* '''Datefriend.''' "Neutral, the person you are dating, but fitting the boyfriend/girlfriend pattern."<ref name="titles queeries" />
* '''Datemate.''' "Neutral, a rhyming version of datefriend, the person you are dating."<ref name="titles queeries" /><ref name="Lane-glossary" />
* '''Enbyfriend.''' "Queer, based on boyfriend and girfriend. (note: enby comes from NB, non-binary)."<ref name="titles queeries" />
* '''Feyfriend.''' Queer, due to the implications of "fey."<ref name="titles queeries" />
* '''Genderfriend.''' "Queer, based on boyfriend and girlfriend."<ref name="titles queeries" />
* '''Girlboyfriend.''' "Queer, for bigender or androgynous people."<ref name="titles queeries" />
* '''[name]friend.''' "Queer, based on girlfriend and boyfriend."<ref name="titles queeries" />
* '''Paramour.''' "Neutral, someone you are having a sexual relationship with."<ref name="titles queeries" />
* '''Personfriend.''' "Neutral, leaning towards queer, based on boyfriend and girlfriend."<ref name="titles queeries" />
*'''Theyfriend/Themfriend.''' "Neutral, based on a combination of pronouns and boyfriend and girlfriend."
*'''Joyfriend.''' "Neutral, cute, based on girlfriend, boyfriend, and theyfriend. <ref>https://realtransfacts.tumblr.com/post/187145281108/enbyfriend-theyfriend-joyfriend [https://web.archive.org/web/20201028030138/https://realtransfacts.tumblr.com/post/187145281108/enbyfriend-theyfriend-joyfriend Archived] on 17 July 2023</ref><ref>{{cite tweet|user=ThatBoyYouLike|number=1162219438667472898|title=If your partner is non-binary you got a joyfriend|date=15 August 2019}}</ref>

=====Significant other=====

Gender-neutral and genderqueer words for a girlfriend, boyfriend, or partner in a committed relationship.

{{common word
|word1 = Beloved|meaning1 = Neutral, one who one loves.
|word2 = Partner|meaning2 = Neutral, often (but not necessarily) queer.
|word3 = Significant Other (SO)|meaning3 = Neutral, quite formal. Implies monogamy.|ref3 = <ref name="titles queeries" />}}

* '''Birlfriend.''' "Queer, mix of boyfriend and girlfriend."<ref name="titles queeries" /> [[Birl]] is also a particular gender identity.
* '''Boifriend.''' "Queer, [[boi]] is a particular gender identity."<ref name="titles queeries" />
* '''Boofriend.''' "Neutral, playing off of 'Boo' (above)." Great cute option!
* '''Bothfriend.''' "Queer, for [[bigender]] or [[androgynous]] people."<ref name="titles queeries" />
* '''Boygirlfriend.''' "Queer, for bigender or androgynous people."<ref name="titles queeries" />
* '''Companion.''' "Neutral, reference to Doctor Who’s companions, or Firefly’s Companions."<ref name="titles queeries" />
* '''Cuddle Buddy.''' "Neutral, cheesy."<ref name="titles queeries" />
* '''Darling.''' Neutral, a general term of affection, similar to sweetheart but not antiquated.
* '''Datemate.''' Queer, for nonbinary people.
* '''Enbyfriend.''' "Queer, based on boyfriend and girfriend. (note: enby comes from NB, non-binary)."<ref name="titles queeries" />
* '''Feyfriend.''' Queer, due to the implications of "fey."<ref name="titles queeries" />
* '''Genderfriend.''' "Queer, based on boyfriend and girlfriend."<ref name="titles queeries" />
* '''Girlboyfriend.''' "Queer, for bigender or androgynous people."<ref name="titles queeries" />
* '''Heartfriend.''' Neutral alternative for girlfriend and boyfriend.
* '''Imzadi.''' "Neutral, from Star Trek, a Betazed word similar to beloved."<ref name="titles queeries" />
* '''Loveperson.''' "Neutral, a person that you love."<ref name="titles queeries" />
* '''[name]friend.''' "Queer, based on girlfriend and boyfriend."<ref name="titles queeries" />
* '''Other Half.''' "Neutral, informal, and implies monogamy."<ref name="titles queeries" />
* '''Paramour.''' "Neutral, someone you are having a sexual relationship with."<ref name="titles queeries" />
* '''Personfriend.''' "Neutral, leaning towards queer, based on boyfriend and girlfriend."<ref name="titles queeries" />
* '''Signif.''' Neutral. Slang abbreviation of "significant other."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://sunmancer.tumblr.com/post/138108563727/today-my-professor-shortened-the-term-significant|date=26 January 2016|author=Elijah|title=today my professor shortened the term “significant others” to “signifs” reblog to make signif the new gender neutral term for the person you're dating|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201129011403/https://sunmancer.tumblr.com/post/138108563727/today-my-professor-shortened-the-term-significant|archive-date=29 November 2020}}</ref>
* '''S.O..''' Neutral. Widely used abbreviation of "significant other."
* '''Soul Mate.''' "Neutral, slightly cheesy, implies belief in soul mates."<ref name="titles queeries" /> Implies monogamy.
* '''Steady.''' "Neutral, as in 'going steady' or 'steady girlfriend/boyfriend'."<ref name="titles queeries" /> Implies monogamy.
* '''Sweetie.''' "Neutral, slightly cheesy."<ref name="titles queeries" />
* '''Sweetheart.''' "Neutral, cheesy or old-fashioned."<ref name="titles queeries" />
* '''Theyfriend/Themfriend.''' "Neutral, based on a combination of pronouns and boyfriend and girlfriend."

=====Fiancée/Fiancé=====

In addition to the above list of words for significant other.

* '''Betrothed.''' "Neutral, formal."<ref name="titles queeries" /> Usually means an arranged marriage.
* '''Nearlywed.'''
* '''Marrier.'''
* '''Spouse-to-be.'''
* '''Intended'''. Implies intent to marry. 
* '''Epoxi'''; neutral, from the French ‘''é''poux’ which means husband/spouse.
* '''Fiancé/Fiance'''. While traditionally only used for men, it is becoming more common to use it gender-neutrally, for example: "Matt called his fiancé and told her to come to the office."<ref>{{cite web|title=fiancé | url=https://en.wiktionary.org/w/index.php?title=fianc%C3%A9&oldid=62609218|date=26 May 2021 |access-date=28 May 2021|work=Wiktionary, The Free Dictionary.}}</ref><ref name="dict_Fian">{{Cite web |title=Fiancé vs. Fiancée: Which One Is Which? |author= |work=Dictionary.com |date=6 May 2019 |access-date=28 May 2021 |url= https://www.dictionary.com/e/fiance-vs-fiancee/ |quote=there appears to be a growing trend toward using ''fiancé'' as the gender-neutral form for both a man and a woman. |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230315021523/https://www.dictionary.com/e/fiance-vs-fiancee/ |archive-date=17 July 2023 }}</ref> Can be written "fiance" instead of "fiancé" to make it more neutral.

=====Spouse=====

In addition to the above list of words for significant other.

* '''Spouse.''' "Standard, neutral, formal."<ref name="titles queeries" />
* '''Maritial partner.'''
* '''Newlywed'''
*'''Epox;''' neutral, from the French ‘''é''poux’ which means husband/spouse.

====Other family relationships====

Gender-neutral and genderqueer words for other kinds of family relationships.

* '''Child-in-law.''' Standard gender neutral term for daughter-in-law or son-in-law.
* '''Godparent.''' Standard gender neutral term for godfather or godmother.
*'''Godren.'''
* '''Grandchild.''' Standard gender neutral term for grandson or granddaughter.
* '''Parent-in-law.''' Standard gender neutral term for mother-in-law or father-in-law.
* '''Sibling-in-law.''' Standard gender neutral term for sister-in-law or brother-in-law.
* '''Stepchild.''' Standard gender neutral term for stepdaughter or stepson.
* '''Siblingparent.''' Standard gender neutral term for stepmother or stepfather.
* '''Siblingsibling.''' Standard gender neutral term for stepsister or stepbrother.

'''Boy/Girl'''

* '''Enby.''' From NB or nonbinary
* '''Neut.''' as in Neutral
* '''Null.''' gender is null
* '''Newt.''' another form of neutral/neut

===Professions/Roles===

* '''Abbist. Gender neutral term for abbot/abbess.'''
* '''Athlete, sportsperson.''' Neutral alternatives for sportswoman and sportsman.
* '''Bartender''' or '''Bar tender, Barkeeper.''' Standard gender neutral terms for barman or barmaid.
* '''Business person, business owner/leader/representative, entrepreneur.''' Standard gender neutral terms for businessman or businesswoman.
* '''Brewmaker/Brewer/Brew leader.''' Neutral alternatives to brewmistress and brewmaster.
* '''Camera operator/Camera worker/Camera person/Filmer/Photographer.''' Standard gender neutral alternatives for cameraman/camerawoman.
* '''Chairperson/Director/Chair'''. Neutral alternatives to chairwoman and chairman.
* '''Clergy member.''' Standard gender neutral term for clergyman, priest, priestess, and many religious titles.
* '''Congressperson/Representative/Memeber of congress.''' Neutral alternatives to congresswoman and congressman.
*'''Consort.''' Term for the Queen or Prince Consort, dropping the gendered part.
*'''Council member/Councilor.''' Neutral alternatives to councilwomen and councilman.
* '''Cowhand.''' Standard gender neutral term for cowboy or cowgirl.
* '''Comedian.''' Standard gender neutral term. Although some people use "comedienne" for women, "comedian" is generally considered non-gendered.
* '''Crafter/Craftsperson.''' Neutral alternatives to craftswoman and craftsman.
* '''Doorkeeper.''' Neutral word for doorwoman and doorman.
* '''Drag artist/Drag performer/Drag majesty/Drag monarch (drag ⇄ dressed as a gender).''' Gender neutral and more extensive alternative terms for drag queen/king.
* '''Firefighter.''' Neutral, standard word for firewoman and fireman.
* '''Fisher/Fisherperson/Angler.''' Neutral alternatives to fisherwoman and fisherman.
* '''Flight attendant.''' Standard gender neutral term for stewardess/steward (on a plane).
* '''Headteacher/Head of school.''' Neutral alternatives for headmaster and headmistress.
* '''Heroix.''' Proposed nonbinary equivalent to hero or heroine that specifies an individual doing heroic work is nonbinary. Other alternatives include just hero, protagonist, warrior, champion, main character or central character.
* Host/Welcomer. Neutral alternatives to hostess/host.
* '''Horse rider/Equestrian.''' Standard gender neutral term for horseman or horsewoman.
* '''Hotell assistant.''' Neutral alternative to bellgirl and bellboy.
*'''-ling.''' Gender neutral Old English suffix for someone involved in something. Can be used in place of "-man", "-person" or "-woman" as a suffix for occupation, such as "businessling".<ref>[https://www.mentalfloss.com/article/52135/3-facts-about-english%E2%80%99s-most-adorable-suffix-ling#:~:text=JUST%20A%20GENERAL%20NOUN%2DMAKER,fiction%20meaning%20came%20much%20later https://www.mentalfloss.com/article/52135/3-facts-about-english%E2%80%99s-most-adorable-suffix-ling] [https://web.archive.org/web/20230612053238/https://www.mentalfloss.com/article/52135/3-facts-about-english%E2%80%99s-most-adorable-suffix-ling Archived] on 17 July 2023</ref>
*'''Lumber worker.''' Neutral alternative for lumberjack/lumberjill.
*'''Lunch/dining/meal staff/server/preparer.''' Gender neutral alternatives to "lunch lady".
*'''Mailperson/Mail deliverer/Postal worker/Postperson/Post deliverer/Deliverer.''' Gender neutral alternatives to mailman/mailwoman.
*'''Midspouse.''' Gender-neutral alternative to midwife.
*'''Milker, milkperson, milk carrier.''' Neutral alternatives for milkmaid and milkman.
* '''Minister.''' Standard gender neutral term for priest or priestess.
* '''Monarch.''' Standard gender neutral term for a king or queen.
* '''Monarch's heir.''' Gender neutral term for crown prince or crown princess.
* '''Monastic.''' Gender neutral term for nun/munk/someone who lives a monastary.
* '''Movie star''' or '''TV star'''. Standard gender neutral terms for "actor"/"actress", although increasingly the word "actor" is being used regardless of gender,<ref name="Hartzer">{{Cite web |title=Gender Neutral: Actor |last=Hartzer |first=Paul |work=Medium |date=2 January 2020 |access-date=3 July 2020 |url= https://medium.com/@paulhartzer/gender-neutral-actor-90f5ff200f4d|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201028190403/https://medium.com/@paulhartzer/gender-neutral-actor-90f5ff200f4d |archive-date=17 July 2023 }}</ref> including by some nonbinary stars such as [[Asia Kate Dillon]].<ref name="Dillon2020">{{Cite web |title='Billions' Star Asia Kate Dillon Calls for SAG Awards to Abolish Gender-Specific Categories (EXCLUSIVE) |last=Dillon |first=Asia Kate |work=Variety |date=10 June 2020 |access-date=3 July 2020 |url= https://variety.com/2020/tv/news/asia-kate-dillon-billions-sag-awards-open-letter-1234630871/#!|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230426183029/https://variety.com/2020/tv/news/asia-kate-dillon-billions-sag-awards-open-letter-1234630871/ |archive-date=17 July 2023 }}</ref>
* '''News anchor, newsperson, anchorperson, broadcaster, newscaster, anchor, reporter, correspondent.''' Standard neutral terms for newswoman and newsman.
* '''Noble.''' A nobleman/noblewoman, lord/lady, prince/princess, duke/duchess, or many other noble ranks that lack specific gender neutral titles.
* '''Overkeeper, ruler, authority, overlord.''' Gender-neutral alternatives for overlady and overlord.
* '''Prime.''' Derived from Latin. Gender Neutral term for a prince or princess.
* '''Prin/Prinx/Prinxe/PrincexPrincexx/Princet/Princette/Princev/Princen/Princus/Heir''' Other gender neutral terms for Prince/Princess/Royalty incorporating the letter x; a common indicator of gender neutral language.
* '''Pilot.''' Standard gender neutral term for aviator or aviatrix.
* '''Police officer''' or '''cop'''. Standard gender neutral terms for policeman or policewoman.
* '''Priesten'''. Gender neutral alternative for Priest or Priestess.
* '''Priestx'''. Other gender neutral term to substitute for Priest or Priestess, mainly used in [[Pagan]] community.
* Property owner/Land owner/Landperson/Landlord. Neutral alternative to landlady/landlord.
* '''Quing'''. Neologistic gender-neutral term for a monarch.
* '''Regnant.''' Gender neutral term for a ruler/monarch/king/queen.
* '''Royalty.''' Standard. Usually refers to a family but can be used as a Gender Neutral term for a prince/princess or a king/queen.
* '''Salesperson, marketer, seller.''' Gender neutral alternatives for salesman and saleswoman.
* '''Sailor, seaperson, fleet officer, naval soldier.''' Gender neutral alternatives to seaman and seawoman.
* '''Server.''' Standard gender neutral term for a person who provides items to customers, such as a "waiter/waitress" or "steward/stewardess".
* '''Spokesperson.''' Neutral term for spokeswoman and spokesman.
* '''Stunt performer/Stuntperson/Stunt-double.''' Standard gender neutral alternatives to stuntman and stuntwoman.
* '''Swordsperson, swordfighter.''' Neutral alternatives for swordswoman and swordsman.
* '''Wix'''. Neologistic gender neutral term for a magic user (akin to "witch"/"wizard"). Originated in Harry Potter fandom<ref>https://wixenzine.tumblr.com/about [https://web.archive.org/web/20201129011538/https://wixenzine.tumblr.com/about Archived] on 17 July 2023</ref>, created by tumblr blog magicqueers.<ref>https://fanlore.org/wiki/Wix [https://web.archive.org/web/20230628171727/https://fanlore.org/wiki/Wix Archived] on 17 July 2023</ref> However, many people view "witch" as gender neutral instead of specific to women.<ref>[https://getbewitched.tumblr.com/post/622284433430609920/are-you-still-a-witch-if Are you still a witch if:] [https://web.archive.org/web/20201027223745/https://getbewitched.tumblr.com/post/622284433430609920/are-you-still-a-witch-if Archived] on 17 July 2023</ref><ref>[https://black-raven200.tumblr.com/post/622866451403063296/the-term-witch-is-gender-neutral-pass-it-on The term “witch” is gender neutral, pass it on] [https://web.archive.org/web/20201118192051/https://black-raven200.tumblr.com/post/622866451403063296/the-term-witch-is-gender-neutral-pass-it-on Archived] on 17 July 2023</ref><ref>[https://ravenhexxx.tumblr.com/post/190956765857 A witch is a witch regardless of gender] [https://web.archive.org/web/20201118192032/https://ravenhexxx.tumblr.com/post/190956765857 Archived] on 17 July 2023</ref> Alternatives includes '''mage, enchanter, enchantment artist, bewitcher, witchcrafter, witchcraft artist, magic user, or witch/wizard''' as gender-neutral words for seperate types of magic usage.

===Descriptions===

* '''Attractive.''' Gender neutral term equally applicable to "handsome" or "beautiful" individuals. Implies the speaker experiences some form of attraction, so might not be suitable for people who are [[aromantic]] or [[asexual]].
* '''Good-looking.''' Standard gender neutral term.
* '''Gorgeous.''' Gender neutral alternative to "handsome" or "beautiful," but tends to be feminine.
* '''Youthful.''' Gender neutral alternative to "boyish" or perhaps "girlish," but tends to be masculine.
*'''Dapper.''' Gender neutral alternative to "handsome" or "beautiful," but tends to be masculine.
*'''Charming.''' Gender neutral alternative to "handsome" or "beautiful," but tends to be masculine.
*'''Snazzy.''' Gender neutral alternative to "handsome" or "beautiful," tends to be a more playful term.

===Deity titles===

* '''Absolute Being.''' Standard term for a monotheistic deity, without implied gender.
* '''Almighty.''' Standard term for a monotheistic deity, without implied gender.
* '''Creator.''' Standard term for a deity who created the world and/or humankind.
* '''Deity.''' Standard gender neutral term for a god or goddess.
* '''Divine, the.''' Common gender neutral term for a deity or supernatural forces.
* '''Divine being.''' Common gender neutral term for a deity or supernatural entity.
* '''God.''' Standard gender neutral term for a god or goddess, but tends to be presumed male.
* '''Goddex.''' "Queer, based on the God/dess ending."<ref name="titles queeries" />
* '''Goddette.''' "Queer, based on the God/ess ending."<ref name="titles queeries" />
* '''Goddeq.''' "Queer, based on the God/ess ending."<ref name="titles queeries" />
* '''Heavens, the'''. Common gender neutral term for a deity, deities, or supernatural forces.
* '''Higher Power'''. Standard gender neutral term for a deity, deities, or supernatural forces.
* '''Liege.''' Neutral equivalent of lord or lady.
* '''Powers that be.''' Common gender neutral term for a god, goddess, or similar supernatural beings or forces.
* '''Ruler.''' Neutral equivalent of lord or lady.
* '''Sovereign.''' Neutral equivalent of lord or lady.
* '''Wild Divine, the.''' New Age name for God, Goddess, or primal supernatural forces.

===Other terms===

* '''Bach/Bacheloree/Unmarried person/Single Person.''' Neutral alternatives to bachelor and bachelorette.
* '''Bachelorx.''' Neutral, alternative to bachelor and bachelorette.<ref>[https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/bachelorx "bachelorx"]. ''Wiktionary, The Free Dictionary.'' 19 October 2022. Retrieved 2 December 2022.</ref>
* '''Bach party.''' Neutral alternative to bachelor party and bachelorette party.
* '''Blond/Blond-haired'''. Neutral alternatives to blonde.
* '''Brunet/Brown-haired.''' Neutral alternatives to brunette.
* '''Cave dweller.''' Neutral alternative to caveman/cavewoman.
* '''Chestfeeding/Bodyfeeding.''' Neutral and more extensive alternatives to breastfeeding.
* '''Companion.''' Status- and gender-neutral word for someone's accompanying person.
* '''Company.''' Status- and gender-neutral word for someone's accompanying person.
* '''E-person/E-kid.''' Neutral words for e-girl and e-boy.
* '''Fanenby.''' Queer, using enby after fanboy or fangirl.<ref name="titles queeries" />
*'''Fanby.''' Queer. Similar to Fanenby
* '''Fankid.''' Neutral, after fanboy or fangirl.
* '''Fanchild.''' Neutral. Similar to fankid.
* '''Fellowship of the Rings.''' Neutral alternative to a party of nonbinary Wedding Ushers.
* '''First-year student.''' Neutral, standard alternative to freshman/freshwoman.
* '''Friend of Honor/Person of Honor.''' Neutral alternative word for Maid of Honor and Bestman.
* '''Frontperson/Lead/Bandleader.''' Neutral alternatives to frontwoman/frontman.
* '''Garbage collector/Garbage person.''' Neutral alternatives to garbage woman and garbage man.
* '''Handyperson/Handyworker/Fixer.''' Neutral alternatives to handyman and handywoman.
* '''Honored/Dear audience/guests/friends/people.''' Neutral alternative to "ladies & gentlemen".
* '''Homemaker/Housespouse.''' Neutral alternatives for housewife and househusband.
* '''Humankind.''' Neutral alternative for mankind.
* '''J. Doe, Jay Doe.''' Gender-neutral alternatives for Jane Doe and John Doe.
* '''Latine.''' Neutral alternative to latina and latino.
* '''Parenthood/Kinship.''' Neutral and more extensive alternatives to motherhood and fatherhood.

* '''Parentonym.''' Neutral, nonstandard. This can be used as a hypernym of matronym and patronym, but also to refer to such names in a gender-neutral sense.

* '''Parriarch.''' Gender non-specific term for matriarch and patriarch.
* '''Partyperson, partier, party animal, partygoer.''' Neutral alternatives for partygirl and partyboy.
* '''Realm/Crownland.''' Neutral alternatives for queendom and kingdom.
* '''Schoolchild, schoolkid, pupil, student, scholar.''' Neutral alternatives for schoolgirl and schoolboy.
* '''Sib from another crib.''' Neutral alternative phrase for "sister from another mister"/"sis from another Ms." and "brother from another mother"/"chad from a different dad"/"Tom from a different mom".
* '''Siblinghood/Camradeship/Fellowship/Kinship/Community.''' Neutral and more extensive alternatives to sisterhood and brotherhood.
* '''Snowperson, snowpal, snowfriend.''' Neutral alternatives for snowman.
* '''Spouses/Married.''' Neutral alternatives to "husband & wife", husbands and wifes.
* '''Stay-at-home parent/spouse/partner.''' Neutral alternatives to stay-at-home mother/father and stay-at-home wife/husband.
* (un)attended/(un)crewed/(un)piloted/(un)armed/(un)staffed/(un)occupied. Neutral alternatives for (un)manned.
* '''The average person, the common person.''' Neutral alternatives for the common man/woman.
* '''Y'all, you all, you, youse, folks, you friends, homies, everyone/everbody, audience, peoples, the lot of you, all y’all, you lot, you peeps.''' Neutral alternatives for you guys/you girls.
* '''Wedding entourage/Respective entourages.''' Neutral alternatives to bridesmaids and/or groomsmen. One person in an entourage is called attendant/associate.
* '''Wedding usher.''' Neutral, alternative to bridesmaid or groomsman.
* '''Widowed person/Wid/Surviving spouse.''' Neutral alternatives to widow and widower.
* '''Winger/Wingfriend.''' Neutral alternative to wingman.
* '''Workpower, workforce, team strength, humanpower, labour, labour power, peoplepower.''' Neutral alternatives to manpower and womanpower.

==See also==
* [[Gender neutral language]]
* [[Glossary of English gender and sex terminology]]

==External links==
* "Gender neutral/queer titles." ''Gender Queeries.'' [http://genderqueeries.tumblr.com/titles http://genderqueeries.tumblr.com/titles]

==References==
<references/>

[[Category:Gender neutral language]]