Gender neutral titles: Difference between revisions

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    A '''gender neutral title''' is an alternative to the gendered honorifics Miss, Mrs, Ms and Mr, for people who don't fit the [[gender binary]] and therefore don't feel that a gendered title fits their identity. It is used in formal situations when it is inappropriate to refer to someone by their first or last name only.
    {{featured article}}
    {{Side list
    |title = Most used titles
    |content =
    # No title (33%)
    # Mx (31.3%)
    # Mr (8.7%)
    # Ms (4.7%)
    # Miss (3.1%)
    # Ind (3%)
     
    Data provided by the 2019 Gender Census.<ref name="Census2018"/>
    }}
    A '''gender neutral title''' is an alternative to the gendered honorifics Miss, Mrs, Ms and Mr, Mt/Mm for people who don't fit the [[gender binary]] and therefore don't feel that a gendered title fits their identity. It is used in formal situations when it is inappropriate to refer to someone by their first or last name only. However, there are quite a lot of people who would prefer to never be referred to with a title. In the 2019 Gender Census, 33% of respondents didn't want to use a title for themselves.<ref name="Census2018" />


    For the most part, gender neutral titles without qualification/career connotations are not recognised by the general public or businesses/organisations. Activists and supporters are working toward awareness and acceptance of alternative titles. The generally accepted gender neutral titles are associated with qualifications and careers, such as Dr (Doctor) and Rev (Reverend).
    For the most part, gender neutral titles without qualification/career connotations are not recognised by the general public or businesses/organisations. Activists and supporters are working toward awareness and acceptance of alternative titles. The generally accepted gender neutral titles are associated with qualifications and careers, such as Dr (Doctor) and Rev (Reverend).
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    ===United Kingdom===
    ===United Kingdom===


    A Deed Poll can be used to change your name and/or your title free of charge, if you can get two witnesses together.
    A Deed Poll can be used to change your name and your title free of charge, if you can get two witnesses together - however if you are only changing your title, there may be no need for this.
     
    The Deed Poll Service notes that “There's no need to follow any formal procedure (such as executing a Deed Poll) if you only wish to change your title.  You simply need to start using your new title and notify all the record holders that you have changed it.”[http://www.deedpoll.org.uk/AreThereAnyRestrictionsOnNames.html#Section3.6] The UK Deed Poll Service also offer the gender-inclusive title Mx.<ref>''[http://mxactivist.tumblr.com/mxevidence The Growing Use of Mx as a Gender-inclusive Title in the UK]'', captured August 2017. [https://web.archive.org/web/20211221025245/https://mxactivist.tumblr.com/mxevidence Archived] on 17 July 2023</ref>
     
    A Statutory Declaration of title change can be drawn up and presented to a regular solicitor to witness/sign for a cost of approximately £10.00 (this usually includes a couple of legal copies); having the solicitor draw the document up for you may incur a much higher cost (£70.00+). You do not usually need to make an appointment for this service as the process only takes a few minutes.


    A Statutory Declaration of title change (see image of template to the right) can be drawn up and presented to a regular solicitor to witness/sign for a cost of approximately £10.00 (this usually includes a couple of legal copies); having the solicitor draw the document up for you may incur a much higher cost (£70.00+). You do not usually need to make an appointment for this service as the process only takes a few minutes.
    There is, however, no need to use a paid service to create a Deed Poll. "DIY" versions are just as valid.


    The Deed Poll Service notes that “There's no need to follow any formal procedure (such a executing a Deed Poll) if you only wish to change your title. You simply need to start using your new title and notify all the record holders that you have changed it.”[http://www.deedpoll.org.uk/AreThereAnyRestrictionsOnNames.html#Section3.6]
    A Deed Poll firmly demonstrates your commitment to your chosen gender when you apply to the government's Gender Recognition Panel. However, if you already have a Gender Recognition Certificate (GRC) you do not need a deed poll to switch your name as your GRC is proof for governmental bodies (i.e. passport office). <ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.ukdeedpolloffice.org/transgender-name-changes/|title=Transgender Name Changing Services By UK Deed Poll Office|website=The UK Deed Poll Office|language=en-GB|access-date=2020-09-04|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230604175503/https://www.ukdeedpolloffice.org/transgender-name-changes/|archive-date=17 July 2023}}</ref>


    ==List of gender neutral titles==
    ==List of nonbinary/gender neutral titles==
    Here follows an alphabetical list of gender-neutral or specifically nonbinary titles that are alternatives to Mr. and Ms.
    Here follows an alphabetical list of gender-neutral or specifically nonbinary titles that are alternatives to Mr. and Ms.
    ===De/Dᵉ===
    A proposed neutral title pronounced "done".<ref name="GenderJargon">{{cite web|url=https://gender-resource.tumblr.com/post/614501061766627328/gender-jargon-transgender-gnc-and-imoga-terms|title=Gender Jargon: Transgender, GNC and IMOGA Terms (April 2020)|date= 4 April 2020|access-date=11 June 2020|archive-url=http://archive.today/2021.12.11-011013/https://gender-resource.tumblr.com/post/614501061766627328/gender-jargon-transgender-gnc-and-imoga-terms|archive-date=11 December 2021|first=|last=Gent}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://pronoun-archive.tumblr.com/post/183716297071/mrs-mistress-feminine-female-mr-master|title=pronoun-archive: Honorifics|date= 21 August 2018|access-date=6 October 2024|archive-url=https://archive.is/Lwl1G|archive-date=6 October 2024|last=arco-pluris|type=reblog}}</ref>
    ===Div===
    '''How to use:''' Div. Sam Smith; Div. Smith.
    '''Pronunciation:'''
    '''History:'''
    '''Meaning:''' Short for "Individual".<ref name="Ind-Coin">{{cite web|author=Torin Unrealisk (minimalistfish)|title=Ind. as a gender neutral title?|date=15 February 2014|work=A Glorious Abscence of Gender| url=http://minimalistfish.tumblr.com/post/76750503799/ind-as-a-gender-neutral-title|archive-date=29 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191229064400/https://minimalistfish.tumblr.com/post/76750503799/ind-as-a-gender-neutral-title}}</ref>
    ===Fren===
    '''How to use:''' Use like sir or ma'am. (Example: Excuse me, '''fren''', I think you left your notebook on this table.)
    '''Pronunciation:''' Pronounced ''fren'' (IPA: fɹɛn) or ''friend'' without the -d ending.
    '''History and meaning:''' Shortened form of "friend" and used colloquially, both as a phonological variant of "friend" and as a diminutive of the word.


    ===Ind===
    ===Ind===


    '''How to use:''' Ind. Sam Smith. Ind. Smith.
    '''How to use:''' Ind. Sam Smith; Ind. Smith.


    '''Pronunciation:''' "ind" (IPA: ˌɪnd) or "individual".
    '''Pronunciation:''' "ind" (IPA: ˌɪnd) or "individual".


    '''History:''' The Ind title was coined by Torin "MinimalistFish" Unrealisk in early 2014, a [[genderless]] individual who goes by the Ind title. Unrealisk proposed it in a post to a social blogging website, Tumblr.<ref>Conversation thread between Orion Scribner (frameacloud) and Torin Unrealisk (minimalistfish). 2014-11-12. <i>A Glorious Abscence of Gender</i> (personal blog). Torin Unrealisk. [http://minimalistfish.tumblr.com/post/102483931685/torin-unrealisk-thank-you-for-what-you-wrote-about-the http://minimalistfish.tumblr.com/post/102483931685/torin-unrealisk-thank-you-for-what-you-wrote-about-the] Or archive: [http://frameacloud.tumblr.com/post/102488535511/torin-unrealisk-thank-you-for-what-you-wrote-about-the http://frameacloud.tumblr.com/post/102488535511/torin-unrealisk-thank-you-for-what-you-wrote-about-the]</ref>
    '''History:''' The Ind title was coined by Torin "MinimalistFish" Unrealisk in early 2014, a [[genderless]] individual who goes by the Ind title. Unrealisk proposed it in a post to a social blogging website, Tumblr.<ref>Conversation thread between Orion Scribner (frameacloud) and Torin Unrealisk (minimalistfish). 2014-11-12. <i>A Glorious Abscence of Gender</i> (personal blog). Torin Unrealisk. [http://minimalistfish.tumblr.com/post/102483931685/torin-unrealisk-thank-you-for-what-you-wrote-about-the http://minimalistfish.tumblr.com/post/102483931685/torin-unrealisk-thank-you-for-what-you-wrote-about-the]{{Dead link|date=July 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} Or archive: [http://frameacloud.tumblr.com/post/102488535511/torin-unrealisk-thank-you-for-what-you-wrote-about-the http://frameacloud.tumblr.com/post/102488535511/torin-unrealisk-thank-you-for-what-you-wrote-about-the]{{Dead link|date=July 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref>
     
    '''Meaning:''' According to the one who coined it, Ind is short for "Individual". This title may be more appropriate for those who do not feel "mixed gender" implied titles meets their gender-neutral standards. Ind was designed to be entirely free of gender, thus making it an attractive option for [[agender]] and [[gender nonconforming]] individuals. For more information, see [https://web.archive.org/web/20191229064400/https://minimalistfish.tumblr.com/post/76750503799/ind-as-a-gender-neutral-title the post in which it was coined].<ref name="Ind-Coin" />


    '''Meaning:''' According to the one who coined it, Ind is short for "Individual". This title may be more appropriate for those who do not feel "mixed gender" implied titles meets their gender-neutral standards. Ind was designed to be entirely free of gender, thus making it an attractive option for [[agender]] and [[gender nonconforming]] individuals. For more information, see [http://minimalistfish.tumblr.com/post/76750503799/ind-as-a-gender-neutral-title the post in which it was coined].<ref>Torin Unrealisk (minimalistfish). "Ind. as a gender neutral title?" 2014-02-15. <i>A Glorious Abscence of Gender</i> (personal blog). Torin Unrealisk. [http://minimalistfish.tumblr.com/post/76750503799/ind-as-a-gender-neutral-title http://minimalistfish.tumblr.com/post/76750503799/ind-as-a-gender-neutral-title] Or archive: [http://frameacloud.tumblr.com/post/102470317561/ind-as-a-gender-neutral-title http://frameacloud.tumblr.com/post/102470317561/ind-as-a-gender-neutral-title]</ref>
    '''Use:''' In the 2019 Gender Census, Ind was chosen by 3% respondents.<ref name="Census2018">''[https://gendercensus.tumblr.com/post/183832246805/gender-census-2019-the-full-report-worldwide Gender Census 2019 - The Full Report (Worldwide)]'', April 2019 [https://web.archive.org/web/20230525010935/https://gendercensus.tumblr.com/post/183832246805/gender-census-2019-the-full-report-worldwide Archived] on 17 July 2023</ref>


    ===M===
    ===M===


    '''How to use:''' M Smith. M. Smith.
    '''How to use:''' M Smith; M. Smith.


    '''Pronunciation:''' Pronounced ''em'' (IPA: ɛm), like the name of the letter M.
    '''Pronunciation:''' Pronounced ''em'' (IPA: ɛm), like the name of the letter M.
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    '''Meaning:''' Meant to be a neutral title that is not based off "mixing" binary genders. Based on the gendered titles Mr and Ms, just without the second letter.
    '''Meaning:''' Meant to be a neutral title that is not based off "mixing" binary genders. Based on the gendered titles Mr and Ms, just without the second letter.


    '''Examples of use:''' In science fiction by Dan Simmons, ''Hyperion Cantos,'' all adult humans go by the title M.<ref>http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/FantasticHonorifics</ref>
    '''Examples of use:''' In science fiction by Dan Simmons, ''Hyperion Cantos,'' all adult humans go by the title M.<ref>http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/FantasticHonorifics [https://web.archive.org/web/20230421080451/https://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/FantasticHonorifics Archived] on 17 July 2023</ref>
     
    '''Similar-looking titles:''' One potential problem with the neutral title "M" is confusion with the French title "M." short for "Monsieur," which is masculine, not neutral. [http://epochryphal.tumblr.com/post/27562258920/hmmmm-so-i-know-m-stands-for-monsieur-en][http://epochryphal.tumblr.com/post/37860057313/delvinappterrace-replied-to-your-post-today-i] It can also be confused for a first initial.
     
    '''Use:''' In the 2019 Gender Census, M was chosen by 0.2% of the respondents.<ref name="Census2018"/>
     
    === M* ===
     
    '''How to use:''' M* Sam Smith; M* Smith.
     
    '''Pronunciation:''' miss-star
     
    '''History:''' M* (alternatively "M⭐" or "Mstr") was coined in May 2018 by Osiesaur (tumblr user owlsofstarlight).<ref name="owls">{{Cite web |title=Can't sleep so have the gender shitpost my brain is thinking about instead |author=owlsofstarlight |work=Writing Volcano |date=22 May 2019 |access-date=11 July 2020 |url= https://owlsofstarlight.tumblr.com/post/185055185526/cant-sleep-so-have-the-gender-shitpost-my-brain|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211221025244/https://owlsofstarlight.tumblr.com/post/185055185526/cant-sleep-so-have-the-gender-shitpost-my-brain |archive-date=17 July 2023 }}</ref>
     
    === Mg ===
    '''How to use:''' Mg. Smith.
     
    '''Pronunciation:''' "mage" (IPA: / meɪd͡ʒ /) or "magis" (IPA: / ˈmæd͡ʒɪs /)
     
    '''History and meaning:''' From Latin ''magister'', whence ''mister'' and ''mistress'' are descended from. The “mage” pronunciation was proposed and popularized in a post by Tumblr user apolloendymion on May 15th, 2024<ref>apolloendymion (15 May, 2024). Blog post. https://www.tumblr.com/apolloendymion/750765254114508800/benefits-of-mg-easy-to-pronounce-even-for. Retrieved 20 June, 2024.</ref>, though Mg. with the pronunciation "magis" has also been proposed as far back as March 26th, 2021.<ref>Z Demir (26 March 2021). Quora reply. https://www.quora.com/What-is-a-non-binary-alternative-to-MS-or-Mr. Retrieved 20 June 2024.</ref>
    === Mir ===
    '''How to use:''' Mir Sam Smith; Mir Smith.
     
    '''Pronunciation:''' Pronounced like "mer" in merlin (IPA: / mɜr /).
     
    '''History and meaning:''' Blend of honorifics Miss and Mr, or Sir and Madam. In use from at least 2017.<ref name=":0">[https://genderqueeries.tumblr.com/titles] [https://web.archive.org/web/20230612130812/https://genderqueeries.tumblr.com/titles Archived] on 17 July 2023</ref><ref name=":0" />


    '''Similar-looking titles:''' One potential problem with the neutral title "M" is confusion with the French title "M." short for "Monsieur," which is masculine, not neutral. [http://epochryphal.tumblr.com/post/27562258920/hmmmm-so-i-know-m-stands-for-monsieur-en][http://epochryphal.tumblr.com/post/37860057313/delvinappterrace-replied-to-your-post-today-i]
    '''Use:''' In the 2019 Gender Census, Mir was chosen by less than 0.1% of respondents.<ref name="Census2018" />


    ===Misc===
    ===Misc===


    '''How to use:''' Misc Sam Smith. Misc Smith.
    '''How to use:''' Misc Sam Smith; Misc Smith.


    '''Pronunciation:''' Pronounced "misk" (IPA: mɪsk).
    '''Pronunciation:''' Pronounced "misk" (IPA: mɪsk).


    '''History and meaning:''' The roots of the word miscellaneous comes from the Latin *miscellus*, meaning “mixed,” following the rationale that a lot of [[nonbinary]] people would say that they have aspects of various genders at various times. [http://cassolotl.tumblr.com/post/3015181250/a-gender-neutral-title-misc First known mention] in January 2011.
    '''History and meaning:''' The roots of the word miscellaneous comes from the Latin *miscellus*, meaning “mixed,” following the rationale that a lot of [[nonbinary]] people would say that they have aspects of various genders at various times. [http://cassolotl.tumblr.com/post/3015181250/a-gender-neutral-title-misc First known mention] in January 2011.
    '''Use:''' In the 2019 Gender Census, Misc was chosen by less than 0.1% of respondents.<ref name="Census2018"/>


    ===Mre===
    ===Mre===
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    '''Pronunciation:''' Pronounced ''mystery'' or ''misstree''.
    '''Pronunciation:''' Pronounced ''mystery'' or ''misstree''.


    '''History and meaning:''' A play on non-binary gender often being perceived as "mysterious." One potential problem is that it contains the "mister" and "miss" sounds in the beginning. In 2001, Liz Menzel wrote, "As Mr. is short for Mister, and Mrs. was once short for Mistress, how about Mre., for 'Mistree' (or I suppose for 'mystery,' for those who demand their spelling)."<ref>https://web.archive.org/web/20070310125817/http://aetherlumina.com/gnp/references.html</ref>
    '''History and meaning:''' A play on nonbinary gender often being perceived as "mysterious." One potential problem is that it contains the "mister" and "miss" sounds in the beginning. In 2001, Liz Menzel wrote, "As Mr. is short for Mister, and Mrs. was once short for Mistress, how about Mre., for 'Mistree' (or I suppose for 'mystery,' for those who demand their spelling)."<ref>{{cite web|work=Æther Lumina|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070310125817/http://aetherlumina.com/gnp/references.html|archive-date=10 March 2007|title=References & Related Realms|url=http://aetherlumina.com/gnp/references.html}}</ref>
     
    '''Use:''' In the 2019 Gender Census, Mre was chosen by less than 0.1% of respondents.<ref name="Census2018"/>


    ===Msr===
    ===Msr===
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    '''How to use:''' Msr Smith.
    '''How to use:''' Msr Smith.


    '''Pronunciation:''' Pronounced ''misser''.<ref>[http://genderqueeries.tumblr.com/titles]</ref>
    '''Pronunciation:''' Pronounced ''misser''.<ref name=":1">http://genderqueeries.tumblr.com/titles [https://web.archive.org/web/20230612130812/https://genderqueeries.tumblr.com/titles Archived] on 17 July 2023</ref>
     
    '''Use:''' In the 2019 Gender Census, Msr was chosen by less than 0.1% of respondents.<ref name="Census2018"/>
     
    ===Mt/Mm (Mistrum)===
     
    '''How to use:''' Mt. Smith / Mm. Smith
     
    '''Pronunciation:''' Pronounced ''misstruhm'' (IPA: mɪstɹʌm)
     
    '''History and Meaning:''' From Latin's ''magister'', whence ''mister'' and ''mistress'', with the neuter ending -trum related to the suffix -ter, the masculine -tor, and the feminine -trix.<ref>'[https://www.reddit.com/r/whatstheword/comments/jhodsn/comment/ga18pey/ "WTW for a gender-neutral sir/ma'am"]', comment on Reddit post, 25 October 2020. [https://archive.ph/aPHMz Archive], captured 24 August 2022.</ref> However, top search results also point to ''mistrum'' in Early Middle English, where it meant ''scant'' or ''poor''. 


    ===Mx===
    ===Mx===
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    ''For more information, see main article: [[Mx]].''
    ''For more information, see main article: [[Mx]].''


    '''How to use:''' Mx Sam Smith. Mx Smith.
    '''How to use:''' Mx Sam Smith; Mx Smith.


    '''History:''' It's not yet known who created the Mx title, when, or what their original intentions were. There is anecdotal evidence that someone went by this title "in about 1965,"<ref>Cassian Lotte Lodge (cassolotl). "Mx has been around since the 1960s." November 26, 2014. Blog post. [http://cassolotl.tumblr.com/post/103645470405 http://cassolotl.tumblr.com/post/103645470405]</ref><ref>octopus8. November 18, 2014. Comment on news article. [http://www.theguardian.com/world/shortcuts/2014/nov/17/rbs-bank-that-likes-to-say-mx#comment-43834815 http://www.theguardian.com/world/shortcuts/2014/nov/17/rbs-bank-that-likes-to-say-mx#comment-43834815]</ref> and the earliest known recorded mention of the Mx title was in 1977.<ref>Practical Androgyny (PractiAndrogyny). May 4, 2015. [https://twitter.com/PractiAndrogyny/status/595329679789260801 https://twitter.com/PractiAndrogyny/status/595329679789260801]</ref><ref>''The Single Parent'', vol 20. [https://books.google.co.uk/books?id=IgwdAQAAMAAJ&amp;dq=editions%3ALCCNsc83001271&amp;focus=searchwithinvolume&amp;q=Mx https://books.google.co.uk/books?id=IgwdAQAAMAAJ&amp;dq=editions%3ALCCNsc83001271&amp;focus=searchwithinvolume&amp;q=Mx]</ref> The earliest recorded mention of the Mx title on the Internet was in 1982, and the earliest person found on the Internet earnestly and actively using Mx as their title was in 1998.<ref>Nat Titman, "When was the Mx gender-inclusive title created?" August 28, 2014. ''Practical Androgyny.'' [http://practicalandrogyny.com/2014/08/28/when-was-the-mx-gender-inclusive-title-created/ http://practicalandrogyny.com/2014/08/28/when-was-the-mx-gender-inclusive-title-created/]</ref> People began using Mx more often starting around 2000.<ref>Cassian Lotte Lodge, "The growing use of Mx as a gender-inclusive title in the UK." Version 2.5. May 9, 2015. [http://mxactivist.tumblr.com/post/118514708025 http://mxactivist.tumblr.com/post/118514708025]</ref> In 2015, assistant editor of the Oxford English Dictionary (OED) Jonathan Dent said that they are considering putting Mx into the OED,<ref>Loulla-Mae Eleftheriou-Smith, "Gender neutral honorific Mx 'to be included' in the Oxford English Dictionary alongside Mr, Ms and Mrs and Miss." May 3, 2015. ''The Independent''. [http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/gender-neutral-honorific-mx-to-be-included-in-the-oxford-english-dictionary-alongside-mr-ms-and-mrs-and-miss-10222287.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/gender-neutral-honorific-mx-to-be-included-in-the-oxford-english-dictionary-alongside-mr-ms-and-mrs-and-miss-10222287.html]</ref><ref>Mary Papenfuss, "Oxford Dictionary may include gender-neutral honorific 'Mx'." May 5, 2015. ''International Business Times.'' [http://www.ibtimes.co.uk/oxford-dictionary-may-include-gender-neutral-honorific-mx-1499626 http://www.ibtimes.co.uk/oxford-dictionary-may-include-gender-neutral-honorific-mx-1499626]</ref> and it was added in August 2015.<ref>''[http://www.out.com/news-opinion/2015/8/27/gender-neutral-title-mx-added-oxford-english-dictionary Gender-Neutral Title Mx Added to Oxford English Dictionary]'', out.com, 27th August 2015. Captured April 2016.</ref>
    '''History:''' It's not yet known who created the Mx title, when, or what their original intentions were. There is anecdotal evidence that someone went by this title "in about 1965,"<ref>Cassian Lotte Lodge (cassolotl). "Mx has been around since the 1960s." November 26, 2014. Blog post. [http://cassolotl.tumblr.com/post/103645470405 http://cassolotl.tumblr.com/post/103645470405] [https://web.archive.org/web/20230519033811/http://cassolotl.tumblr.com/post/103645470405 Archived] on 17 July 2023</ref><ref>octopus8. November 18, 2014. Comment on news article. [http://www.theguardian.com/world/shortcuts/2014/nov/17/rbs-bank-that-likes-to-say-mx#comment-43834815 http://www.theguardian.com/world/shortcuts/2014/nov/17/rbs-bank-that-likes-to-say-mx#comment-43834815] [https://web.archive.org/web/20230509012340/https://www.theguardian.com/world/shortcuts/2014/nov/17/rbs-bank-that-likes-to-say-mx Archived] on 17 July 2023</ref> and the earliest known recorded mention of the Mx title was in 1977.<ref>{{cite tweet|date=4 May 2015|author=Practical Androgyny|user=PractiAndrogyny|number=595329679789260801|title=The text of the 1977 Single Parent magazine article that coins Mx|url=http://books.google.co.uk/books?id=IgwdAQAAMAAJ&dq=editions%3ALCCNsc83001271&focus=searchwithinvolume&q=Mx|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230518102048/https://books.google.co.uk/books?id=IgwdAQAAMAAJ&dq=editions%3ALCCNsc83001271&focus=searchwithinvolume&q=Mx|archive-date=17 July 2023}}</ref><ref> [https://books.google.co.uk/books?id=IgwdAQAAMAAJ&amp;dq=editions%3ALCCNsc83001271&amp;focus=searchwithinvolume&amp;q=Mx ''The Single Parent'', vol 20.]</ref> The earliest recorded mention of the Mx title on the Internet was in 1982, and the earliest person found on the Internet earnestly and actively using Mx as their title was in 1998.<ref>Nat Titman, "When was the Mx gender-inclusive title created?" August 28, 2014. ''Practical Androgyny.'' [http://practicalandrogyny.com/2014/08/28/when-was-the-mx-gender-inclusive-title-created/ http://practicalandrogyny.com/2014/08/28/when-was-the-mx-gender-inclusive-title-created/] [https://web.archive.org/web/20230216171134/https://practicalandrogyny.com/2014/08/28/when-was-the-mx-gender-inclusive-title-created/ Archived] on 17 July 2023</ref> People began using Mx more often starting around 2000.<ref>Cassian Lotte Lodge, "The growing use of Mx as a gender-inclusive title in the UK." Version 2.5. May 9, 2015. [http://mxactivist.tumblr.com/post/118514708025 http://mxactivist.tumblr.com/post/118514708025] [https://web.archive.org/web/20220328233924/https://mxactivist.tumblr.com/post/118514708025 Archived] on 17 July 2023</ref> In 2015, assistant editor of the Oxford English Dictionary (OED) Jonathan Dent said that they are considering putting Mx into the OED,<ref>Loulla-Mae Eleftheriou-Smith, "Gender neutral honorific Mx 'to be included' in the Oxford English Dictionary alongside Mr, Ms and Mrs and Miss." May 3, 2015. ''The Independent''. [http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/gender-neutral-honorific-mx-to-be-included-in-the-oxford-english-dictionary-alongside-mr-ms-and-mrs-and-miss-10222287.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/gender-neutral-honorific-mx-to-be-included-in-the-oxford-english-dictionary-alongside-mr-ms-and-mrs-and-miss-10222287.html] [https://web.archive.org/web/20230317113849/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/gender-neutral-honorific-mx-to-be-included-in-the-oxford-english-dictionary-alongside-mr-ms-and-mrs-and-miss-10222287.html Archived] on 17 July 2023</ref><ref>Mary Papenfuss, "Oxford Dictionary may include gender-neutral honorific 'Mx'." May 5, 2015. ''International Business Times.'' [http://www.ibtimes.co.uk/oxford-dictionary-may-include-gender-neutral-honorific-mx-1499626 http://www.ibtimes.co.uk/oxford-dictionary-may-include-gender-neutral-honorific-mx-1499626] [https://web.archive.org/web/20221213084021/https://www.ibtimes.co.uk/oxford-dictionary-may-include-gender-neutral-honorific-mx-1499626 Archived] on 17 July 2023</ref> and it was added in August 2015.<ref>''[http://www.out.com/news-opinion/2015/8/27/gender-neutral-title-mx-added-oxford-english-dictionary Gender-Neutral Title Mx Added to Oxford English Dictionary]'', out.com, 27th August 2015. Captured April 2016. [https://web.archive.org/web/20221128085532/https://www.out.com/news-opinion/2015/8/27/gender-neutral-title-mx-added-oxford-english-dictionary Archived] on 17 July 2023</ref>


    '''Pronunciation:''' There are several different pronunciations of Mx, including muks (IPA: məks or mʌks), mix, em ex, mixter,<ref>Cassian Lotte Lodge, "On the pronunciation of Mx." November 27, 2014. Blog post. [http://cassolotl.tumblr.com/post/103744029100 http://cassolotl.tumblr.com/post/103744029100]</ref>, or mixture.<ref>"Beyond the binary question twenty three." July 8, 2013. Blog post. [https://cnlester.wordpress.com/2013/07/08/beyond-the-binary-question-twenty-three/ https://cnlester.wordpress.com/2013/07/08/beyond-the-binary-question-twenty-three/]</ref> A 2014 survey of 118 people found the most popular pronunciations in the UK was "məks" (by 43%), and worldwide was "mix" (42%).<ref>Cassian Lotte Lodge, "On the pronunciation of Mx." November 27, 2014. Blog post. [http://cassolotl.tumblr.com/post/103744029100 http://cassolotl.tumblr.com/post/103744029100]</ref>
    '''Pronunciation:''' There are several different pronunciations of Mx, including muks (IPA: məks or mʌks), mix, em ex, mixter,<ref>Cassian Lotte Lodge, "On the pronunciation of Mx." November 27, 2014. Blog post. [http://cassolotl.tumblr.com/post/103744029100 http://cassolotl.tumblr.com/post/103744029100] [https://web.archive.org/web/20230519033731/http://cassolotl.tumblr.com/post/103744029100 Archived] on 17 July 2023</ref>, or mixture.<ref>"Beyond the binary question twenty three." July 8, 2013. Blog post. [https://cnlester.wordpress.com/2013/07/08/beyond-the-binary-question-twenty-three/ https://cnlester.wordpress.com/2013/07/08/beyond-the-binary-question-twenty-three/] [https://web.archive.org/web/20230519101217/http://cnlester.wordpress.com/2013/07/08/beyond-the-binary-question-twenty-three/ Archived] on 17 July 2023</ref> A 2014 survey of 118 people found the most popular pronunciations in the UK was "məks" (by 43%), and worldwide was "mix" (42%).<ref>Cassian Lotte Lodge, "On the pronunciation of Mx." November 27, 2014. Blog post. [http://cassolotl.tumblr.com/post/103744029100 http://cassolotl.tumblr.com/post/103744029100] [https://web.archive.org/web/20230519033731/http://cassolotl.tumblr.com/post/103744029100 Archived] on 17 July 2023</ref>


    '''Meaning:''' The ''x'' acts as a wild card, taking the usual title format of Mr and Ms, and putting in an ''x'' to remove the gender in the title.
    '''Meaning:''' The ''x'' acts as a wild card, taking the usual title format of Mr and Ms, and putting in an ''x'' to remove the gender in the title.


    '''Popularity:''' In a 2016 survey involving over 3,000 nonbinary respondents, Mx was the most popular gender-inclusive title at 34%.<ref name="CassolotlNBGQ2016">[http://cassolotl.tumblr.com/post/137953257500 NB/GQ Survey 2016 - the worldwide results], published 20 Feb 2015</ref> As the result of nonbinary activists asking companies to offer the Mx title as an option in paperwork, this option is becoming more widely available and well-established. As of February 2015, "31 major and respected companies, organisations and governmental departments in the UK" have been shown to give this option.<ref>Cassian Lotte Lodge (mxactivist). "There’s a new UK Mx evidence PDF up." February 6, 2015. Blog post. [http://mxactivist.tumblr.com/post/110248930295 http://mxactivist.tumblr.com/post/110248930295]</ref>
    '''Popularity:''' In the 2019 Gender Census, Mx was chosen by 31.3% of respondents.<ref name="Census2018"/> As the result of nonbinary activists asking companies to offer the Mx title as an option in paperwork, this option is becoming more widely available and well-established. As of February 2015, "31 major and respected companies, organisations and governmental departments in the UK" have been shown to give this option.<ref>Cassian Lotte Lodge (mxactivist). "There’s a new UK Mx evidence PDF up." February 6, 2015. Blog post. [http://mxactivist.tumblr.com/post/110248930295 http://mxactivist.tumblr.com/post/110248930295] [https://web.archive.org/web/20211221025246/https://mxactivist.tumblr.com/post/110248930295 Archived] on 17 July 2023</ref>
     
    ===Mv===
    A proposed title specifically for addressing a [[maverique]] person.<ref name="GenderJargon" />


    ===Myr===
    ===Myr===


    Myr, or myr, used as a gender neutral title, honorific, and proper noun in science fiction books by David Marusek. Its plural form is myren.<ref>cicadacicada. "New gender-neutral title." http://cicadacicada.tumblr.com/post/13856770096/new-gender-neutral-title</ref>
    Myr (or myr) was used as a gender neutral title, honorific, and proper noun in science fiction books by David Marusek. Its plural form is myren.<ref>{{cite web|author=cicadacicada|date=2011|title='New' Gender-neutral title.|url=http://cicadacicada.tumblr.com/post/13856770096/new-gender-neutral-title|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191216135308/https://cicadacicada.tumblr.com/post/13856770096/new-gender-neutral-title|archive-date=16 December 2019}}</ref>
     
    Myr was also independently coined by Osiesaur (tumblr user owlsofstarlight) in May 2019, and given the pronunciation "myster".<ref name="owls" />
     
    '''Use:''' In the 2019 Gender Census, Myr was chosen by less than 0.1% of respondents. <ref name="Census2018"/>
     
    === Myth ===
    '''How to use:''' Myth. Drea Doe
     
    '''Pronunciation:''' "myth"
     
    '''Meaning:''' Short for "mythical", as in "The Myth, the Legend"
     
    === Mys ===
    '''How to use:''' Mys. Hikaru Utada; Mys. Utada.
     
    '''Pronunciation:''' "mis"
     
    '''Meaning:''' Short for "mystery".
     
    '''History:''' Coined by J-pop singer [[Utada Hikaru]], who would come out as non-binary a few days later, in a 2021 Instagram post.<ref>Utada, Hikaru (June 18, 2021). [https://www.instagram.com/p/CQQil30pg34/ "I'm sick of being asked if I'm 'Miss or Missus' or choosing between 'Miss/Mrs/Ms' for everyday things"]. [[Instagram]]. Retrieved on October 26, 2021. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220107230627/https://www.instagram.com/p/CQQil30pg34/ Archived] on 17 July 2023</ref>
     
    === Mzr ===
    '''How to use:''' Mzr. Jones
     
    '''Pronunciation:''' ''Mezzir''
     
    '''Use:''' A variation on Msr.
     
    === '''Nb''' ===
    '''How to use:''' Nb. Hammond
     
    '''Pronunciation: "'''En-bee" Just say the letters 'N' and 'B'
     
    '''Meaning:''' This title stands for non-binary. 
     
    '''History:''' The acronym came before the word "enby."
     
    '''Rationale:''' There are many reasons a non-binary person may "come out" publicly. Some of us choose to do so in an effort to normalize gender diversity. The word "enby" was coined as a result of the pronunciation of the acronym "NB" for "non-binary," just like "okay" followed "OK."  Like many other titles, such as "Mx." or "Ind.," this title serves as a mechanism to educate folks about the existence of a non-binary gender spectrum.  It is natural to identify ourselves using the word which was coined for our sake.
     
    '''Example:''' How was your day Nb. Hammond?


    ===Pr===
    ===Pr===
    Line 88: Line 210:
    '''Meaning:''' It is intended as an abbreviation of "person". (source needed)
    '''Meaning:''' It is intended as an abbreviation of "person". (source needed)


    '''Examples of use:''' One written record of its use as a genderless title is from 2001, in a press complaint by non-gendered activist Pr [[Christie Elan-Cane]].<ref>"Pr Christie Elan-Cane v Woman's Own about Accuracy." January 31, 2001. [http://presscomplaints.org/case/3431/ http://presscomplaints.org/case/3431/]</ref>
    '''Examples of use:''' One written record of its use as a genderless title is from 2001, in a press complaint by non-gendered activist Pr [[Christie Elan-Cane]].<ref>"Pr Christie Elan-Cane v Woman's Own about Accuracy." January 31, 2001. [http://presscomplaints.org/case/3431/ http://presscomplaints.org/case/3431/] [https://web.archive.org/web/20180904215750/http://presscomplaints.org/case/3431/ Archived] on 17 July 2023</ref>
     
    '''Similar-looking titles:''' Pr. is also the title given to a Christian pastor.<ref>http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pastor [https://web.archive.org/web/20230305221722/https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pastor Archived] on 17 July 2023</ref>


    '''Similar-looking titles:''' Pr. is also the title given to a Christian pastor.<ref>http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pastor</ref>
    '''Use:''' In the 2019 Gender Census, Pr was chosen by less than 0.1% of respondents.<ref name="Census2018"/>


    ===Sai===
    ===Sai===


    Sai. In ''The Dark Tower,'' the title "Sai" is a gender neutral title, the equivalent Mr or Ms, as well as the honorifics sir or ma'am.
    Sai. In ''The Dark Tower,'' the title "Sai" is a gender neutral title, the equivalent Mr or Ms, as well as the honorifics sir or ma'am.
    '''Pronunciation:''' The title Sai is pronounced "sigh".
    '''Use:''' In the 2019 Gender Census, Sai was chosen by less than 0.1% of respondents.<ref name="Census2018" />


    ===Ser===
    ===Ser===
    Line 102: Line 230:
    '''History and meaning (as a gender-neutral title):''' Used as a gender-neutral version of "Sir" in works of fiction such as Greg Bear's ''The Way'' novels, and the ''Dragon Age'' series of video games.
    '''History and meaning (as a gender-neutral title):''' Used as a gender-neutral version of "Sir" in works of fiction such as Greg Bear's ''The Way'' novels, and the ''Dragon Age'' series of video games.


    '''Similar-looking titles:''' While the title "Ser" is hundreds of years old, and has been used in a lot of media, it does not always mean the same thing, and is not gender-neutral in all cases. It's also not always equivalent to Mr or Ms, and may imply that a person has a specific profession or status. In the 1400s, "Ser" was "an honorific title usually given to notaries."<ref>Girolamo Savonarola, ''A guide to righteous living and other works.'' p. 149. </ref> In the seventeenth century in Tuscany, "Ser" was one of the titles given to physicians, and thus equivalent to "Doctor".<ref>David Gentilcore, ''Healers and healing in early modern Italy.'' p. 58.</ref> In Game of Thrones, "Ser" is the title given to knights, who are exclusively male in that setting, so it is not a gender-neutral title there.<ref>"Knighthood." ''Game of Thrones Wiki.'' http://gameofthrones.wikia.com/wiki/Knighthood </ref> Many examples of fiction that uses Ser, but they don't all use it to mean the same thing, as can be seen in [http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/FantasticHonorifics TV Tropes's article about Ser and other unusual honorifics in fiction]. "Ser" is also not to be confused with a similar title, "Sr," meaning "sister," the title given to a Catholic nun.<ref>http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/English_honorifics </ref>
    '''Similar-looking titles:''' While the title "Ser" is hundreds of years old, and has been used in a lot of media, it does not always mean the same thing, and is not gender-neutral in all cases. It's also not always equivalent to Mr or Ms, and may imply that a person has a specific profession or status. In the 1400s, "Ser" was "an honorific title usually given to notaries."<ref>Girolamo Savonarola, ''A guide to righteous living and other works.'' p. 149. </ref> In the seventeenth century in Tuscany, "Ser" was one of the titles given to physicians, and thus equivalent to "Doctor".<ref>David Gentilcore, ''Healers and healing in early modern Italy.'' p. 58.</ref> In Game of Thrones, "Ser" is the title given to knights, who are mostly male except in the case of Ser Brienne of Tarth.<ref>"Knighthood." ''Game of Thrones Wiki.'' http://gameofthrones.wikia.com/wiki/Knighthood [https://web.archive.org/web/20221221235549/http://gameofthrones.wikia.com/wiki/Knighthood Archived] on 17 July 2023</ref> Many examples of fiction use Ser, but they don't all use it to mean the same thing, as can be seen in [http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/FantasticHonorifics TV Tropes's article about Ser and other unusual honorifics in fiction]. "Ser" is also not to be confused with a similar title, "Sr," meaning "sister," the title given to a Catholic nun.<ref>http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/English_honorifics [https://web.archive.org/web/20230707183202/https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/English_honorifics Archived] on 17 July 2023</ref>
     
    '''Use:''' In the 2019 Gender Census, Ser was chosen by 0.1% of respondents.<ref name="Census2018"/>
     
    === Tiz ===
    '''How to use:''' Use like sir or ma'am. (Example: Excuse me, '''tiz''', I think you left your notebook on this table.)
     
    '''Pronunciation:''' Pronounced ''tizz'', to rhyme with ''fizz''
     
    '''History and meaning:''' Short form of citizen. (ci '''tiz''' en).
     
    ===Vx===
    '''How to use:''' Vx. Doe
     
    A derivative of "Mx," this title appears to have been coined and primarily seen adoption on the Fediverse.
     
    ===Zr===
    '''How to use:''' Zr. Smith
     
    '''Pronunciation:''' Pronounced ''zeester''
     
    '''History and meaning:''' Invented by Alex Kapitan in 2007.
     
    '''Use:''' The Zr. title is used by activist/educator [[Alex Kapitan]].


    ==See Also==
    ==See Also==
    Line 110: Line 261:
    *[http://genderqueeries.tumblr.com/titles Gender Queeries: Gender Neutral / Queer Titles]
    *[http://genderqueeries.tumblr.com/titles Gender Queeries: Gender Neutral / Queer Titles]
    *[http://genderqueerintheuk.wordpress.com/misc-or-mx-a-gender-neutral-title/ Genderqueer in the UK: Misc, or Mix: A Gender-neutral Title]
    *[http://genderqueerintheuk.wordpress.com/misc-or-mx-a-gender-neutral-title/ Genderqueer in the UK: Misc, or Mix: A Gender-neutral Title]
    *[http://epetitions.direct.gov.uk/petitions/17793 A UK HM Government petition for the acceptance of Mx, deadline September 2012]
    *[http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/FantasticHonorifics TV Tropes: Fantastic Honorifics]. On unusual titles and honorifics in fiction, only some of which are gender-neutral.
    *[http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/FantasticHonorifics TV Tropes: Fantastic Honorifics]. On unusual titles and honorifics in fiction, only some of which are gender-neutral.
    *[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gender_neutral_title Wikipedia: Gender neutral title]
    *[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gender_neutral_title Wikipedia: Gender neutral title]
    Line 118: Line 268:




    [[Category:Practical resources]] [[Category:Language]] [[Category:Gender neutral language]] [[Category:Transition]]
    [[Category:Gender neutral language]]
    {{imported from nonbinary.wiki| type = page|It is part of nonbinary.wiki's import of the original Nonbinary Wiki and is licensed under [https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/ CC BY 3.0].}}

    Latest revision as of 06:34, 6 October 2024

    Most used titles
    1. No title (33%)
    2. Mx (31.3%)
    3. Mr (8.7%)
    4. Ms (4.7%)
    5. Miss (3.1%)
    6. Ind (3%)

    Data provided by the 2019 Gender Census.[1]

    A gender neutral title is an alternative to the gendered honorifics Miss, Mrs, Ms and Mr, Mt/Mm for people who don't fit the gender binary and therefore don't feel that a gendered title fits their identity. It is used in formal situations when it is inappropriate to refer to someone by their first or last name only. However, there are quite a lot of people who would prefer to never be referred to with a title. In the 2019 Gender Census, 33% of respondents didn't want to use a title for themselves.[1]

    For the most part, gender neutral titles without qualification/career connotations are not recognised by the general public or businesses/organisations. Activists and supporters are working toward awareness and acceptance of alternative titles. The generally accepted gender neutral titles are associated with qualifications and careers, such as Dr (Doctor) and Rev (Reverend).

    For some nonbinary folk, being referred to with a gendered title can trigger gender dysphoria.

    Changing your title[edit | edit source]

    United Kingdom[edit | edit source]

    A Deed Poll can be used to change your name and your title free of charge, if you can get two witnesses together - however if you are only changing your title, there may be no need for this.

    The Deed Poll Service notes that “There's no need to follow any formal procedure (such as executing a Deed Poll) if you only wish to change your title. You simply need to start using your new title and notify all the record holders that you have changed it.”[2] The UK Deed Poll Service also offer the gender-inclusive title Mx.[2]

    A Statutory Declaration of title change can be drawn up and presented to a regular solicitor to witness/sign for a cost of approximately £10.00 (this usually includes a couple of legal copies); having the solicitor draw the document up for you may incur a much higher cost (£70.00+). You do not usually need to make an appointment for this service as the process only takes a few minutes.

    There is, however, no need to use a paid service to create a Deed Poll. "DIY" versions are just as valid.

    A Deed Poll firmly demonstrates your commitment to your chosen gender when you apply to the government's Gender Recognition Panel. However, if you already have a Gender Recognition Certificate (GRC) you do not need a deed poll to switch your name as your GRC is proof for governmental bodies (i.e. passport office). [3]

    List of nonbinary/gender neutral titles[edit | edit source]

    Here follows an alphabetical list of gender-neutral or specifically nonbinary titles that are alternatives to Mr. and Ms.

    De/Dᵉ[edit | edit source]

    A proposed neutral title pronounced "done".[4][5]

    Div[edit | edit source]

    How to use: Div. Sam Smith; Div. Smith.

    Pronunciation:

    History:

    Meaning: Short for "Individual".[6]

    Fren[edit | edit source]

    How to use: Use like sir or ma'am. (Example: Excuse me, fren, I think you left your notebook on this table.)

    Pronunciation: Pronounced fren (IPA: fɹɛn) or friend without the -d ending.

    History and meaning: Shortened form of "friend" and used colloquially, both as a phonological variant of "friend" and as a diminutive of the word.

    Ind[edit | edit source]

    How to use: Ind. Sam Smith; Ind. Smith.

    Pronunciation: "ind" (IPA: ˌɪnd) or "individual".

    History: The Ind title was coined by Torin "MinimalistFish" Unrealisk in early 2014, a genderless individual who goes by the Ind title. Unrealisk proposed it in a post to a social blogging website, Tumblr.[7]

    Meaning: According to the one who coined it, Ind is short for "Individual". This title may be more appropriate for those who do not feel "mixed gender" implied titles meets their gender-neutral standards. Ind was designed to be entirely free of gender, thus making it an attractive option for agender and gender nonconforming individuals. For more information, see the post in which it was coined.[6]

    Use: In the 2019 Gender Census, Ind was chosen by 3% respondents.[1]

    M[edit | edit source]

    How to use: M Smith; M. Smith.

    Pronunciation: Pronounced em (IPA: ɛm), like the name of the letter M.

    Meaning: Meant to be a neutral title that is not based off "mixing" binary genders. Based on the gendered titles Mr and Ms, just without the second letter.

    Examples of use: In science fiction by Dan Simmons, Hyperion Cantos, all adult humans go by the title M.[8]

    Similar-looking titles: One potential problem with the neutral title "M" is confusion with the French title "M." short for "Monsieur," which is masculine, not neutral. [3][4] It can also be confused for a first initial.

    Use: In the 2019 Gender Census, M was chosen by 0.2% of the respondents.[1]

    M*[edit | edit source]

    How to use: M* Sam Smith; M* Smith.

    Pronunciation: miss-star

    History: M* (alternatively "M⭐" or "Mstr") was coined in May 2018 by Osiesaur (tumblr user owlsofstarlight).[9]

    Mg[edit | edit source]

    How to use: Mg. Smith.

    Pronunciation: "mage" (IPA: / meɪd͡ʒ /) or "magis" (IPA: / ˈmæd͡ʒɪs /)

    History and meaning: From Latin magister, whence mister and mistress are descended from. The “mage” pronunciation was proposed and popularized in a post by Tumblr user apolloendymion on May 15th, 2024[10], though Mg. with the pronunciation "magis" has also been proposed as far back as March 26th, 2021.[11]

    Mir[edit | edit source]

    How to use: Mir Sam Smith; Mir Smith.

    Pronunciation: Pronounced like "mer" in merlin (IPA: / mɜr /).

    History and meaning: Blend of honorifics Miss and Mr, or Sir and Madam. In use from at least 2017.[12][12]

    Use: In the 2019 Gender Census, Mir was chosen by less than 0.1% of respondents.[1]

    Misc[edit | edit source]

    How to use: Misc Sam Smith; Misc Smith.

    Pronunciation: Pronounced "misk" (IPA: mɪsk).

    History and meaning: The roots of the word miscellaneous comes from the Latin *miscellus*, meaning “mixed,” following the rationale that a lot of nonbinary people would say that they have aspects of various genders at various times. First known mention in January 2011.

    Use: In the 2019 Gender Census, Misc was chosen by less than 0.1% of respondents.[1]

    Mre[edit | edit source]

    How to use: Mre. Smith.

    Pronunciation: Pronounced mystery or misstree.

    History and meaning: A play on nonbinary gender often being perceived as "mysterious." One potential problem is that it contains the "mister" and "miss" sounds in the beginning. In 2001, Liz Menzel wrote, "As Mr. is short for Mister, and Mrs. was once short for Mistress, how about Mre., for 'Mistree' (or I suppose for 'mystery,' for those who demand their spelling)."[13]

    Use: In the 2019 Gender Census, Mre was chosen by less than 0.1% of respondents.[1]

    Msr[edit | edit source]

    How to use: Msr Smith.

    Pronunciation: Pronounced misser.[14]

    Use: In the 2019 Gender Census, Msr was chosen by less than 0.1% of respondents.[1]

    Mt/Mm (Mistrum)[edit | edit source]

    How to use: Mt. Smith / Mm. Smith

    Pronunciation: Pronounced misstruhm (IPA: mɪstɹʌm)

    History and Meaning: From Latin's magister, whence mister and mistress, with the neuter ending -trum related to the suffix -ter, the masculine -tor, and the feminine -trix.[15] However, top search results also point to mistrum in Early Middle English, where it meant scant or poor.

    Mx[edit | edit source]

    For more information, see main article: Mx.

    How to use: Mx Sam Smith; Mx Smith.

    History: It's not yet known who created the Mx title, when, or what their original intentions were. There is anecdotal evidence that someone went by this title "in about 1965,"[16][17] and the earliest known recorded mention of the Mx title was in 1977.[18][19] The earliest recorded mention of the Mx title on the Internet was in 1982, and the earliest person found on the Internet earnestly and actively using Mx as their title was in 1998.[20] People began using Mx more often starting around 2000.[21] In 2015, assistant editor of the Oxford English Dictionary (OED) Jonathan Dent said that they are considering putting Mx into the OED,[22][23] and it was added in August 2015.[24]

    Pronunciation: There are several different pronunciations of Mx, including muks (IPA: məks or mʌks), mix, em ex, mixter,[25], or mixture.[26] A 2014 survey of 118 people found the most popular pronunciations in the UK was "məks" (by 43%), and worldwide was "mix" (42%).[27]

    Meaning: The x acts as a wild card, taking the usual title format of Mr and Ms, and putting in an x to remove the gender in the title.

    Popularity: In the 2019 Gender Census, Mx was chosen by 31.3% of respondents.[1] As the result of nonbinary activists asking companies to offer the Mx title as an option in paperwork, this option is becoming more widely available and well-established. As of February 2015, "31 major and respected companies, organisations and governmental departments in the UK" have been shown to give this option.[28]

    Mv[edit | edit source]

    A proposed title specifically for addressing a maverique person.[4]

    Myr[edit | edit source]

    Myr (or myr) was used as a gender neutral title, honorific, and proper noun in science fiction books by David Marusek. Its plural form is myren.[29]

    Myr was also independently coined by Osiesaur (tumblr user owlsofstarlight) in May 2019, and given the pronunciation "myster".[9]

    Use: In the 2019 Gender Census, Myr was chosen by less than 0.1% of respondents. [1]

    Myth[edit | edit source]

    How to use: Myth. Drea Doe

    Pronunciation: "myth"

    Meaning: Short for "mythical", as in "The Myth, the Legend"

    Mys[edit | edit source]

    How to use: Mys. Hikaru Utada; Mys. Utada.

    Pronunciation: "mis"

    Meaning: Short for "mystery".

    History: Coined by J-pop singer Utada Hikaru, who would come out as non-binary a few days later, in a 2021 Instagram post.[30]

    Mzr[edit | edit source]

    How to use: Mzr. Jones

    Pronunciation: Mezzir

    Use: A variation on Msr.

    Nb[edit | edit source]

    How to use: Nb. Hammond

    Pronunciation: "En-bee" Just say the letters 'N' and 'B'

    Meaning: This title stands for non-binary.

    History: The acronym came before the word "enby."

    Rationale: There are many reasons a non-binary person may "come out" publicly. Some of us choose to do so in an effort to normalize gender diversity. The word "enby" was coined as a result of the pronunciation of the acronym "NB" for "non-binary," just like "okay" followed "OK." Like many other titles, such as "Mx." or "Ind.," this title serves as a mechanism to educate folks about the existence of a non-binary gender spectrum. It is natural to identify ourselves using the word which was coined for our sake.

    Example: How was your day Nb. Hammond?

    Pr[edit | edit source]

    How to use: Pr Smith.

    Pronunciation: The title Pr is pronounced "per" (IPA, UK: pɜː(ɹ), US: pɝ)

    Meaning: It is intended as an abbreviation of "person". (source needed)

    Examples of use: One written record of its use as a genderless title is from 2001, in a press complaint by non-gendered activist Pr Christie Elan-Cane.[31]

    Similar-looking titles: Pr. is also the title given to a Christian pastor.[32]

    Use: In the 2019 Gender Census, Pr was chosen by less than 0.1% of respondents.[1]

    Sai[edit | edit source]

    Sai. In The Dark Tower, the title "Sai" is a gender neutral title, the equivalent Mr or Ms, as well as the honorifics sir or ma'am.

    Pronunciation: The title Sai is pronounced "sigh".

    Use: In the 2019 Gender Census, Sai was chosen by less than 0.1% of respondents.[1]

    Ser[edit | edit source]

    Pronunciation: Pronounced sair, to rhyme with hair.

    History and meaning (as a gender-neutral title): Used as a gender-neutral version of "Sir" in works of fiction such as Greg Bear's The Way novels, and the Dragon Age series of video games.

    Similar-looking titles: While the title "Ser" is hundreds of years old, and has been used in a lot of media, it does not always mean the same thing, and is not gender-neutral in all cases. It's also not always equivalent to Mr or Ms, and may imply that a person has a specific profession or status. In the 1400s, "Ser" was "an honorific title usually given to notaries."[33] In the seventeenth century in Tuscany, "Ser" was one of the titles given to physicians, and thus equivalent to "Doctor".[34] In Game of Thrones, "Ser" is the title given to knights, who are mostly male except in the case of Ser Brienne of Tarth.[35] Many examples of fiction use Ser, but they don't all use it to mean the same thing, as can be seen in TV Tropes's article about Ser and other unusual honorifics in fiction. "Ser" is also not to be confused with a similar title, "Sr," meaning "sister," the title given to a Catholic nun.[36]

    Use: In the 2019 Gender Census, Ser was chosen by 0.1% of respondents.[1]

    Tiz[edit | edit source]

    How to use: Use like sir or ma'am. (Example: Excuse me, tiz, I think you left your notebook on this table.)

    Pronunciation: Pronounced tizz, to rhyme with fizz

    History and meaning: Short form of citizen. (ci tiz en).

    Vx[edit | edit source]

    How to use: Vx. Doe

    A derivative of "Mx," this title appears to have been coined and primarily seen adoption on the Fediverse.

    Zr[edit | edit source]

    How to use: Zr. Smith

    Pronunciation: Pronounced zeester

    History and meaning: Invented by Alex Kapitan in 2007.

    Use: The Zr. title is used by activist/educator Alex Kapitan.

    See Also[edit | edit source]

    External Links[edit | edit source]

    References[edit | edit source]

    1. ↑ 1.00 1.01 1.02 1.03 1.04 1.05 1.06 1.07 1.08 1.09 1.10 1.11 1.12 Gender Census 2019 - The Full Report (Worldwide), April 2019 Archived on 17 July 2023
    2. ↑ The Growing Use of Mx as a Gender-inclusive Title in the UK, captured August 2017. Archived on 17 July 2023
    3. ↑ "Transgender Name Changing Services By UK Deed Poll Office". The UK Deed Poll Office. Archived from the original on 17 July 2023. Retrieved 2020-09-04.
    4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 Gent (4 April 2020). "Gender Jargon: Transgender, GNC and IMOGA Terms (April 2020)". Archived from the original on 11 December 2021. Retrieved 11 June 2020.
    5. ↑ arco-pluris (21 August 2018). "pronoun-archive: Honorifics" (reblog). Archived from the original on 6 October 2024. Retrieved 6 October 2024.
    6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 Torin Unrealisk (minimalistfish) (15 February 2014). "Ind. as a gender neutral title?". A Glorious Abscence of Gender. Archived from the original on 29 December 2019.
    7. ↑ Conversation thread between Orion Scribner (frameacloud) and Torin Unrealisk (minimalistfish). 2014-11-12. A Glorious Abscence of Gender (personal blog). Torin Unrealisk. http://minimalistfish.tumblr.com/post/102483931685/torin-unrealisk-thank-you-for-what-you-wrote-about-the[Dead link] Or archive: http://frameacloud.tumblr.com/post/102488535511/torin-unrealisk-thank-you-for-what-you-wrote-about-the[Dead link]
    8. ↑ http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/FantasticHonorifics Archived on 17 July 2023
    9. ↑ 9.0 9.1 owlsofstarlight (22 May 2019). "Can't sleep so have the gender shitpost my brain is thinking about instead". Writing Volcano. Archived from the original on 17 July 2023. Retrieved 11 July 2020.
    10. ↑ apolloendymion (15 May, 2024). Blog post. https://www.tumblr.com/apolloendymion/750765254114508800/benefits-of-mg-easy-to-pronounce-even-for. Retrieved 20 June, 2024.
    11. ↑ Z Demir (26 March 2021). Quora reply. https://www.quora.com/What-is-a-non-binary-alternative-to-MS-or-Mr. Retrieved 20 June 2024.
    12. ↑ 12.0 12.1 [1] Archived on 17 July 2023
    13. ↑ "References & Related Realms". Æther Lumina. Archived from the original on 10 March 2007.
    14. ↑ http://genderqueeries.tumblr.com/titles Archived on 17 July 2023
    15. ↑ '"WTW for a gender-neutral sir/ma'am"', comment on Reddit post, 25 October 2020. Archive, captured 24 August 2022.
    16. ↑ Cassian Lotte Lodge (cassolotl). "Mx has been around since the 1960s." November 26, 2014. Blog post. http://cassolotl.tumblr.com/post/103645470405 Archived on 17 July 2023
    17. ↑ octopus8. November 18, 2014. Comment on news article. http://www.theguardian.com/world/shortcuts/2014/nov/17/rbs-bank-that-likes-to-say-mx#comment-43834815 Archived on 17 July 2023
    18. ↑ Practical Androgyny [@PractiAndrogyny] (4 May 2015). "The text of the 1977 Single Parent magazine article that coins Mx". Archived from the original on 17 July 2023 – via Twitter.
    19. ↑ The Single Parent, vol 20.
    20. ↑ Nat Titman, "When was the Mx gender-inclusive title created?" August 28, 2014. Practical Androgyny. http://practicalandrogyny.com/2014/08/28/when-was-the-mx-gender-inclusive-title-created/ Archived on 17 July 2023
    21. ↑ Cassian Lotte Lodge, "The growing use of Mx as a gender-inclusive title in the UK." Version 2.5. May 9, 2015. http://mxactivist.tumblr.com/post/118514708025 Archived on 17 July 2023
    22. ↑ Loulla-Mae Eleftheriou-Smith, "Gender neutral honorific Mx 'to be included' in the Oxford English Dictionary alongside Mr, Ms and Mrs and Miss." May 3, 2015. The Independent. http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/gender-neutral-honorific-mx-to-be-included-in-the-oxford-english-dictionary-alongside-mr-ms-and-mrs-and-miss-10222287.html Archived on 17 July 2023
    23. ↑ Mary Papenfuss, "Oxford Dictionary may include gender-neutral honorific 'Mx'." May 5, 2015. International Business Times. http://www.ibtimes.co.uk/oxford-dictionary-may-include-gender-neutral-honorific-mx-1499626 Archived on 17 July 2023
    24. ↑ Gender-Neutral Title Mx Added to Oxford English Dictionary, out.com, 27th August 2015. Captured April 2016. Archived on 17 July 2023
    25. ↑ Cassian Lotte Lodge, "On the pronunciation of Mx." November 27, 2014. Blog post. http://cassolotl.tumblr.com/post/103744029100 Archived on 17 July 2023
    26. ↑ "Beyond the binary question twenty three." July 8, 2013. Blog post. https://cnlester.wordpress.com/2013/07/08/beyond-the-binary-question-twenty-three/ Archived on 17 July 2023
    27. ↑ Cassian Lotte Lodge, "On the pronunciation of Mx." November 27, 2014. Blog post. http://cassolotl.tumblr.com/post/103744029100 Archived on 17 July 2023
    28. ↑ Cassian Lotte Lodge (mxactivist). "There’s a new UK Mx evidence PDF up." February 6, 2015. Blog post. http://mxactivist.tumblr.com/post/110248930295 Archived on 17 July 2023
    29. ↑ cicadacicada (2011). "'New' Gender-neutral title". Archived from the original on 16 December 2019.
    30. ↑ Utada, Hikaru (June 18, 2021). "I'm sick of being asked if I'm 'Miss or Missus' or choosing between 'Miss/Mrs/Ms' for everyday things". Instagram. Retrieved on October 26, 2021. Archived on 17 July 2023
    31. ↑ "Pr Christie Elan-Cane v Woman's Own about Accuracy." January 31, 2001. http://presscomplaints.org/case/3431/ Archived on 17 July 2023
    32. ↑ http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pastor Archived on 17 July 2023
    33. ↑ Girolamo Savonarola, A guide to righteous living and other works. p. 149.
    34. ↑ David Gentilcore, Healers and healing in early modern Italy. p. 58.
    35. ↑ "Knighthood." Game of Thrones Wiki. http://gameofthrones.wikia.com/wiki/Knighthood Archived on 17 July 2023
    36. ↑ http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/English_honorifics Archived on 17 July 2023
    Retrieved from "https://nonbinary.wiki/index.php?title=Gender_neutral_titles&oldid=41927"