Gender neutral language in English

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    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.[1] 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, tey, although they later favored singular they, or he or she.[2] 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 identities. It should be noted that while some are 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 words

    • Friend: Neutral, informal.
    • Tiz: 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.[3]
    • Mezz; pronounced [mɛz].[4]
    • 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.[5]
    • Tiz; neutral, short for citizen.
    • Zam; neutral, based on shazam, coined by Arin Wolfe.[6]
    • 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

    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.[7])

    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 words

    • Parent: Neutral, formal[8]
    • Guardian/Caregiver. Not necessarily the parent.
    • Baba. "Neutral, based on mama and dada. (Note, baba means dad in some languages and grandmother in others.)"[8]
    • Bibi. "Queer, based on the B in NB [nonbinary], similar to mama and papa/dada."[8]
    • Cenn. "Neutral, short for cennend," which see.[8]
    • Cennend. "Neutral, Old English (Anglo-Saxon) meaning parent."[8]
    • 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)."[8]
    • Mada. Queer, mixture of mama and dad.
    • Maddy. "Queer, mixture of mummy/mommy and daddy."[8] Note: Sometimes used to mean a trans woman who has children.[9]
    • Moddy. "Queer, mixture of mommy and daddy."[8]
    • Moppa / Mopa. A mix of mommy and papa.[10]
    • Muddy. "Queer, mixture of mummy and daddy."[8]
    • Nibi. "A mix of bibi and nini."
    • Nini. "Queer, based on the N in NB, similar to mama and papa/dada."[8]
    • 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."[8]
    • Pare: Short for parent. 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.[8]
    • Per. "Neutral, short for parent."[8] (See also: per pronouns and Pr title.)
    • Ren. Derived from "parent." Gender-neutral. The equivalent to mommy or daddy is "renny." Coined or popularized by Katie Hall in 2017.[11]
    • 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."[8][9]
    • Zither. "Queer, based on mother and father. (Note, zither is also the name of a musical instrument.)"[8]

    Child

    Some of these gender-inclusive or gender-queer words and phrases 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 words

    • Baby: Standard neutral word for very young offspring or very young people.
    • Child: Standard gender neutral word for a young person or an offspring. Implied age isn't adult, but may be.
    • Kid: Standard informal gender neutral term for young children or young offspring.
    • I’m their mother. Rephrasing to communicate the relationship by naming the title of the speaker.
    • Bitsy. Non-standard genderqueer term for a very young person.[8]
    • 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.[12]
    • 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".[8]
    • 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."[8]
    • 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. [8]
    • Scion. Neutral, means offspring.
    • Spawn. Neutral, means offspring.
    • Sprog. Neutral, crude word for a young person.[8][9]
    • 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."[8]
    • One of my twins. Neutral, a way of speaking of one's offspring, if they’re a twin or triplet.
    • 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 words

    • Auncle: Combination of aunt and uncle.[13]
    • Pibling: Neutral alternative for one's parent’s sibling.[1]
    • 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."[8]
    • Cousin. "Neutral, as sometimes people say aunt/uncle for parents’ cousins, or much older cousins."[8]
    • 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."[14]
    • Nini. "Queer, based on the N in NB, similar to Titi/Zizi."[8]
    • 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. "[8] "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.)"[8]
    • Untie/Unty. "Queer, combination of uncle and auntie/aunty."[8]

    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 words

    • Nibling: Non-standard gender neutral term for "niece/nephew".[15]
    • Chibling. "Neutral, the children of your sibling."[8]
    • Cousin. "Neutral, as sometimes people say niece/nephew for cousins’ children, or much younger cousins."[8]
    • Nespring. A mix of offspring and the Latin word nepos, from which both niece and nephew are derived.
    • Nepos. The Latin word nepos, from which both niece and nephew are derived. Which is the same word nepotism is derived from.
    • Neve. Middle English word from which niece and nephew are derived.
    • Neave. Alternate form of neve. (See above.)
    • Nevod. Old French for nephew from which neve was derived.
    • Neveu. Alternate form of nevod.
    • Nepots. Reconstructed Proto-Italic term from which nepos was derived.
    • Niecew. "Queer, mixture of niece and nephew."[8]
    • Nieph. "Queer, mixture of niece and nephew."[8]
    • Niephling. Neutral, mixture of niece, nephew, and sibling. [16]
    • Nephling. Neutral, mixture of nephew and sibling.
    • Nibling. Neutral, mixture of niece, nephew, and sibling.
    • Nephiece. "Queer, mixture of nephew and niece."[8]
    • Sibkid. "Neutral, short for sibling’s kid."[8]
    • Niephew. "A mixture of niece and nephew."[17]

    Grandparent

    Gender-neutral or genderqueer words for grandparent.

    Common words

    • Grandparent: Neutral, formal.[8]
    • Bibi. "Queer, based on the B in NB, similar to nana and papa."[8]
    • Grandwa. "Queer, based on grandma and grandpa."[8]
    • Grandy.' "Neutral, short for Grandparent, Grandma or Grandpa."[8][9]
    • Nini. "Queer, based on the N in NB, similar to nana and papa."[8]
    • Gran. Short for grandparent, grandmother, or grandfather. Has feminine connotations.

    Sibling

    Gender-neutral or genderqueer words for sibling.

    Common words

    • Sibling: Standard gender neutral term for sister or brother.
    • Sib: Short for sibling, equivalent of bro or sis.
    • Younger/Little sibling, older/big sibling: 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."[8]
    • Sibter. "Queer, combination of sibling and brother."[8]
    • my twin. Standard & gender neutral, for twins.

    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 words

    • Date: Neutral, the person you are dating.[8]
    • Love/Lover: Neutral, often implies sexual relationship, but simply refers to someone you love/who loves you.[8]
    • Sweetie/Sweetheart: Neutral, cheesy or old-fashioned.[8]
    • Birlfriend. "Queer, mix of boyfriend and girlfriend."[8] Birl is also a particular gender identity.
    • Boifriend. "Queer, boi is a particular gender identity."[8]
    • Boo. From "beau". Originated in African American English, but now used more widely.
    • Bothfriend. "Queer, for bigender or androgynous people."[8]
    • Boygirlfriend. "Queer, for bigender or androgynous people."[8]
    • Cuddle Buddy. "Neutral, cheesy."[8]
    • 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."[8]
    • Datemate. "Neutral, a rhyming version of datefriend, the person you are dating."[8][9]
    • Enbyfriend. "Queer, based on boyfriend and girfriend. (note: enby comes from NB, non-binary)."[8]
    • Feyfriend. Queer, due to the implications of "fey."[8]
    • Genderfriend. "Queer, based on boyfriend and girlfriend."[8]
    • Girlboyfriend. "Queer, for bigender or androgynous people."[8]
    • [name]friend. "Queer, based on girlfriend and boyfriend."[8]
    • Paramour. "Neutral, someone you are having a sexual relationship with."[8]
    • Personfriend. "Neutral, leaning towards queer, based on boyfriend and girlfriend."[8]
    • Theyfriend/Themfriend. "Neutral, based on a combination of pronouns and boyfriend and girlfriend."
    • Joyfriend. "Neutral, cute, based on girlfriend, boyfriend, and theyfriend. [18][19]
    Significant other

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

    Common words

    • Beloved: Neutral, one who one loves.
    • Partner: Neutral, often (but not necessarily) queer.
    • Significant Other (SO): Neutral, quite formal. Implies monogamy.[8]
    • Birlfriend. "Queer, mix of boyfriend and girlfriend."[8] Birl is also a particular gender identity.
    • Boifriend. "Queer, boi is a particular gender identity."[8]
    • Boofriend. "Neutral, playing off of 'Boo' (above)." Great cute option!
    • Bothfriend. "Queer, for bigender or androgynous people."[8]
    • Boygirlfriend. "Queer, for bigender or androgynous people."[8]
    • Companion. "Neutral, reference to Doctor Who’s companions, or Firefly’s Companions."[8]
    • Cuddle Buddy. "Neutral, cheesy."[8]
    • 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)."[8]
    • Feyfriend. Queer, due to the implications of "fey."[8]
    • Genderfriend. "Queer, based on boyfriend and girlfriend."[8]
    • Girlboyfriend. "Queer, for bigender or androgynous people."[8]
    • Heartfriend. Neutral alternative for girlfriend and boyfriend.
    • Imzadi. "Neutral, from Star Trek, a Betazed word similar to beloved."[8]
    • Loveperson. "Neutral, a person that you love."[8]
    • [name]friend. "Queer, based on girlfriend and boyfriend."[8]
    • Other Half. "Neutral, informal, and implies monogamy."[8]
    • Paramour. "Neutral, someone you are having a sexual relationship with."[8]
    • Personfriend. "Neutral, leaning towards queer, based on boyfriend and girlfriend."[8]
    • Signif. Neutral. Slang abbreviation of "significant other."[20]
    • S.O.. Neutral. Widely used abbreviation of "significant other."
    • Soul Mate. "Neutral, slightly cheesy, implies belief in soul mates."[8] Implies monogamy.
    • Steady. "Neutral, as in 'going steady' or 'steady girlfriend/boyfriend'."[8] Implies monogamy.
    • Sweetie. "Neutral, slightly cheesy."[8]
    • Sweetheart. "Neutral, cheesy or old-fashioned."[8]
    • 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."[8] Usually means an arranged marriage.
    • Nearlywed.
    • Marrier.
    • Spouse-to-be.
    • Intended. Implies intent to marry.
    • Epoxi; neutral, from the French ‘époux’ 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."[21][22] 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."[8]
    • Maritial partner.
    • Newlywed
    • Epox; neutral, from the French ‘époux’ 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.
    • Stepsibling. 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.
    • Cowpoke. 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.
    • Imperial majesty. Neutral alternative to emperor and empress.
    • Landlubber. Neutral alternative to landlady/landlord. (Derogatory)
    • -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".[23]
    • 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,[24] including by some nonbinary stars such as Asia Kate Dillon.[25]
    • 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[26], created by tumblr blog magicqueers.[27] However, many people view "witch" as gender neutral instead of specific to women.[28][29][30] 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."[8]
    • Goddette. "Queer, based on the God/ess ending."[8]
    • Goddeq. "Queer, based on the God/ess ending."[8]
    • 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

    • Babyfeeding milk. Neutral alternative to breast milk and mother's milk.
    • Bach/Bacheloree/Unmarried person/Single Person. Neutral alternatives to bachelor and bachelorette.
    • Bachelorx. Neutral, alternative to bachelor and bachelorette.[31]
    • 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.
    • Craftship. Neutral word for craftmanship.
    • E-person/E-kid. Neutral words for e-girl and e-boy.
    • Fanenby. Queer, using enby after fanboy or fangirl.[8]
    • 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.
    • Homie/Bestie/Pal/Kiddo/You/Yo/Sib/Comrade/Baby (sarcastic)/Human/Person/Fam/Peeps/Y'all. Gender-neutral alternatives for informal/playful words and phrases like girl(s), gal(s), sis, miss, man, dude(s), lad(s), mate(s), bro(s), guy(s)/my guy(s), buddie(s)/bud.
    • 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, good people, 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

    External links

    References

    1. ↑ Dictionary.com. "English used to have gendered nouns?! Yes!" May 16, 2012. Dictionary.com (blog). http://blog.dictionary.com/oldenglishgender/ Archived on 17 July 2023
    2. ↑ 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 Archived on 17 July 2023
    3. ↑ mamsir. Wiktionary, The Free Dictionary. 16 May 2024. Retrieved 20 June 2024.
    4. ↑ Moser, Charles; Devereux, Maura (2016). "Gender neutral pronouns: A modest proposal". International Journal of Transgenderism. 20 (2–3): 331–332. doi:10.1080/15532739.2016.1217446. ISSN 1553-2739.
    5. ↑ "Facebook Groups". www.facebook.com. Archived from the original on 17 July 2023. Retrieved 2020-11-18.
    6. ↑ "Facebook Groups". www.facebook.com. Archived from the original on 17 July 2023. Retrieved 2020-11-18.
    7. ↑ https://nonbinarywiki.tumblr.com/post/621003149724041217/on-enby-and-age Archived on 17 July 2023
    8. ↑ 8.00 8.01 8.02 8.03 8.04 8.05 8.06 8.07 8.08 8.09 8.10 8.11 8.12 8.13 8.14 8.15 8.16 8.17 8.18 8.19 8.20 8.21 8.22 8.23 8.24 8.25 8.26 8.27 8.28 8.29 8.30 8.31 8.32 8.33 8.34 8.35 8.36 8.37 8.38 8.39 8.40 8.41 8.42 8.43 8.44 8.45 8.46 8.47 8.48 8.49 8.50 8.51 8.52 8.53 8.54 8.55 8.56 8.57 8.58 8.59 8.60 8.61 8.62 8.63 8.64 8.65 8.66 8.67 8.68 8.69 8.70 8.71 8.72 8.73 8.74 8.75 8.76 8.77 8.78 8.79 8.80 8.81 8.82 8.83 "Gender neutral/queer titles." Gender Queeries. http://genderqueeries.tumblr.com/titles Archived on 17 July 2023
    9. ↑ 9.0 9.1 9.2 9.3 9.4 Lane, S. Nicole (26 June 2019). "LGBTQ Glossary". Chicago Reader. Archived from the original on 17 July 2023. Retrieved 18 November 2020.
    10. ↑ Parents, Same Sex (2019-03-22). "Gender Neutral/Non-Binary Parent Titles". Same Sex Parents. Archived from the original on 17 July 2023. Retrieved 2020-11-18.
    11. ↑ Katie Hall. June 11, 2017. https://ithelpstodream.tumblr.com/post/161695436793 Archived on 17 July 2023
    12. ↑ On “enby” and age, 15 June 2020, Gender Census
    13. ↑ Poll on Twitter. Archived on 17 July 2023
    14. ↑ Gender neutral variant of aunt/uncle by Over Explaining Autistic Archived on 17 July 2023
    15. ↑ Coined by linguist Samuel E. Martin in 1951 from nephew/niece by analogy with sibling. Archived on 17 July 2023
    16. ↑ Jed Hartman. "nibling, niephling, niefling, etc" Oct. 27, 2008. Neology (blog)https://www.kith.org/journals/neology/2008/10/nibling_niephling_niefling_etc.html Archived on 17 July 2023
    17. ↑ Lang, Nico (21 August 2019). "Cory Booker: Nonbinary 'Niephew' Taught Me How to Be Trans Ally". out.com. Archived from the original on 17 July 2023. Retrieved 9 June 2020.
    18. ↑ https://realtransfacts.tumblr.com/post/187145281108/enbyfriend-theyfriend-joyfriend Archived on 17 July 2023
    19. ↑ @ThatBoyYouLike (15 August 2019). "If your partner is non-binary you got a joyfriend" – via Twitter.
    20. ↑ Elijah (26 January 2016). "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". Archived from the original on 29 November 2020.
    21. ↑ "fiancé". Wiktionary, The Free Dictionary. 26 May 2021. Retrieved 28 May 2021.
    22. ↑ "Fiancé vs. Fiancée: Which One Is Which?". Dictionary.com. 6 May 2019. Archived from the original on 17 July 2023. Retrieved 28 May 2021. there appears to be a growing trend toward using fiancé as the gender-neutral form for both a man and a woman.
    23. ↑ https://www.mentalfloss.com/article/52135/3-facts-about-english%E2%80%99s-most-adorable-suffix-ling Archived on 17 July 2023
    24. ↑ Hartzer, Paul (2 January 2020). "Gender Neutral: Actor". Medium. Archived from the original on 17 July 2023. Retrieved 3 July 2020.
    25. ↑ Dillon, Asia Kate (10 June 2020). "'Billions' Star Asia Kate Dillon Calls for SAG Awards to Abolish Gender-Specific Categories (EXCLUSIVE)". Variety. Archived from the original on 17 July 2023. Retrieved 3 July 2020.
    26. ↑ https://wixenzine.tumblr.com/about Archived on 17 July 2023
    27. ↑ https://fanlore.org/wiki/Wix Archived on 17 July 2023
    28. ↑ Are you still a witch if: Archived on 17 July 2023
    29. ↑ The term “witch” is gender neutral, pass it on Archived on 17 July 2023
    30. ↑ A witch is a witch regardless of gender Archived on 17 July 2023
    31. ↑ "bachelorx". Wiktionary, The Free Dictionary. 19 October 2022. Retrieved 2 December 2022.
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