Gender neutral language in English: Difference between revisions

    From Nonbinary Wiki
    (Gay)
    Tags: Reverted Mobile edit Mobile web edit
    m (Reverted edits by 2A02:C7F:68A6:7600:6468:B047:EFE3:B59 (talk) to last revision by Jentoo)
    Tag: Rollback
    Line 1: Line 1:
    Gay = gay
    {{Template:Gender neutral language}}
    '''Gender neutral language in English''' is easier than [[gender neutral language]] (also called gender inclusive language) in many other languages, because its grammatical gender is less pervasive than in, say, German or French. See the main article on [[gender neutral language]] for general reasons to use neutral language, common problems in using it, and its use for [[nonbinary]] people.


    Gay = gay
    ==History==


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


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


    Gay = gay
    ==Words and alternatives==


    Gay = gay
    This is a list of both standard (dictionary) and non-standard (created) terms and pronouns to include [[nonbinary gender|nonbinary identities]]. It should be noted that while some are [[agender|genderless]] or [[third gender]], others are multigender. Terms will be marked with the implied gender identity when possible.
     
    ===Pronouns===
     
    ''See main article at [[English neutral pronouns]].''
     
    ===Titles===
     
    ''For gender-neutral replacements of titles like Ms and Mr, see main article at [[Gender neutral titles]].''
     
    ==== Honorifics ====
     
    ===== Ma'am/Sir =====
    Standard English doesn't have a gender neutral word that's used in the same way as Ma'am and Sir — a formal form of address used in some places to show respect, and commonly required for use by customer service professionals. People have created some words to fill this lexical gap, but they remain uncommon words. People have also suggested using other words in place of Ma'am and Sir, but they tend to fail the tests of formality and simplicity that customer service professionals (and their managers) apply to such usage.  {{Common word|word1=Friend|meaning1=Neutral, informal.|ref1=|word2=Tiz|meaning2=A gender-neutral replacement for ma'am/sir, from Citizen.}}
     
    * Citizen; neutral.
    *Comrade; neutral, has Socialist, Communist and/or Anarchist connotations.
    * Friend; neutral, very informal.
    * Laddam; queer, a mix of Lad and Madam.
    * Mezz; pronounced [mɛz].<ref name="MoserDevereux2016">{{cite journal|last1=Moser|first1=Charles|last2=Devereux|first2=Maura|title=Gender neutral pronouns: A modest proposal|journal=International Journal of Transgenderism|volume=20|issue=2-3|year=2016|pages=331–332|issn=1553-2739|doi=10.1080/15532739.2016.1217446}}</ref>
    * Mir; queer, a mix of Sir and Madam.
    * Mirdam; queer, a mix of Sir and Madam, although it still sounds similar to Madam.
    * Mistdam; queer, a mix of Mister and Madam.
    *Mistrum: queer; a neutral alternative to Mister and Mistress.
    *Pe'n: Neutral, short for "person", pronounced "pen"
    * Sa'am; a mix of sir and ma'am. Sounds like a masculine leaning name.
    * Sir; neutral, Sir is used neutrally in the military, although this doesn’t work as well outside of that.
    * Sir’ram; queer, a mix of Sir and Ma’am.
     
    * Shazam'''.''' Neutral, coined by a highschool student wishing to address a nonbinary teacher with a formal term of respect.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.facebook.com/groups/1601168520209978/|title=Facebook Groups|website=www.facebook.com|language=en|access-date=2020-11-18|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201111230125/https://www.facebook.com/groups/1601168520209978/|archive-date=17 July 2023}}</ref>
    *Tiz; neutral, short for citizen.
    * Zam'''.''' Neutral, based on shazam, coined by Arin Wolfe.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.facebook.com/groups/1601168520209978/|title=Facebook Groups|website=www.facebook.com|language=en|access-date=2020-11-18|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201111230125/https://www.facebook.com/groups/1601168520209978/|archive-date=17 July 2023}}</ref>
    *Ser; neutral, based on Final Fantasy XIV's usage for both male and female knights of Ishgard.
     
    ===Common nouns===
     
    {|class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align: center;"
    ! Type of common noun
    ! Feminine
    ! Masculine
    ! Gender inclusive (could be masculine or feminine)
    ! Specifically nonbinary
    |-
    | Young person
    | Girl, maiden
    | Boy, youth
    | Child, kid, infant, teen, teenager, tween, young person, youth
    | Enby
    |-
    | Adult person
    | Woman, gal, lady
    | Man, gentleman, lad
    | Adult, gentlebeing, gentleperson, grownup
    | Enby, enban
    |-
    | Person of any age
    | Female
    | Male
    | Being, human, human being, one, person, somebody, someone
    | Enby
    |}
    (Note that using "male" and "female" as nouns for people, e.g. "my dentist is a male", is seen as dehumanising in English, and in particular "female" as a noun is considered sexist.)
    (Note 2: Some nonbinary people dislike "enby" and feel it is infantilizing.<ref>https://nonbinarywiki.tumblr.com/post/621003149724041217/on-enby-and-age [https://web.archive.org/web/20201030060232/https://nonbinarywiki.tumblr.com/post/621003149724041217/on-enby-and-age Archived] on 17 July 2023</ref>)
     
    ===Family and relationship words===
     
    ''See also: [[family]] and [[intimacy]].''
     
    ====Parent====
     
    Parents as in the formal words mother or father, or the informal mama or dada. Gender-neutral and gender-inclusive words for a parent of any gender, or non-standard specifically nonbinary, [[queer]], or [[genderqueer]] words.
     
    {{common word|word1 = Parent|meaning1 = Neutral, formal|ref1=<ref name="titles queeries" />}}
     
    * '''Baba.''' "Neutral, based on mama and dada. (Note, baba means dad in some languages and grandmother in others.)"<ref name="titles queeries">"Gender neutral/queer titles." ''Gender Queeries.'' [http://genderqueeries.tumblr.com/titles http://genderqueeries.tumblr.com/titles] [https://web.archive.org/web/20230612130812/https://genderqueeries.tumblr.com/titles Archived] on 17 July 2023</ref>
    * '''Bibi.''' "Queer, based on the B in NB [nonbinary], similar to mama and papa/dada."<ref name="titles queeries" />
    * '''Cenn.''' "Neutral, short for cennend," which see.<ref name="titles queeries" />
    * '''Cennend.''' "Neutral, Old English (Anglo-Saxon) meaning parent."<ref name="titles queeries" />
    * '''Da.''' "Queer mixture (note: sounds like Ma, Pa). However, "Da'" is used in some areas of Britain and Ireland as a shortened form of "Dad".
    *'''Dommy.''' "Queer, mixture of mommy and daddy (note: sounds like Dom/me, a BDSM term)."<ref name="titles queeries" />
    * '''Mada.''' Queer, mixture of mama and dad.
    * '''Maddy.''' "Queer, mixture of mummy/mommy and daddy."<ref name="titles queeries" /> Note: Sometimes used to mean a [[trans woman]] who has children.<ref name="Lane-glossary">{{Cite web |title=LGBTQ Glossary |last=Lane |first=S. Nicole |work=Chicago Reader |date=26 June 2019 |access-date=18 November 2020 |url= https://www.chicagoreader.com/chicago/lgbtq-glossary/Content?oid=71278133|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200918222303/https://www.chicagoreader.com/chicago/lgbtq-glossary/Content?oid=71278133 |archive-date=17 July 2023 }}</ref>
    * '''Moddy.''' "Queer, mixture of mommy and daddy."<ref name="titles queeries" />
    *'''Moppa / Mopa.'''  A mix of mommy and papa.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.same-sexparents.com/post/gender-neutral-non-binary-parent-titles|title=Gender Neutral/Non-Binary Parent Titles|last=Parents|first=Same Sex|date=2019-03-22|website=Same Sex Parents|language=en|access-date=2020-11-18|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230326100126/https://www.same-sexparents.com/post/gender-neutral-non-binary-parent-titles|archive-date=17 July 2023}}</ref>
    * '''Muddy.''' "Queer, mixture of mummy and daddy."<ref name="titles queeries" />
    * '''Nibi.''' "A mix of ''bibi'' and ''nini''."
    * '''Nini.''' "Queer, based on the N in NB, similar to mama and papa/dada."<ref name="titles queeries" />
    * '''Non.''' Follows a similar pattern (CvC) to Mom or Dad, could be short for "nonbinary".
    *'''Nonny.''' Based on the N in NB, similar to Mommy or Daddy, generally used when a child is referring to their nonbinary parent.
    *'''Numa.''' A nickname that was repurposed to be a parent name. Coincidentally like a combination of Nonbinary Mumma.
    * '''Par.''' "Neutral, short for parent."<ref name="titles queeries" />
    *'''Pare''': Short for '''pare'''nt. Can call to mind an au pair, which is a live in childcare worker (usually a woman but not always). The term means equal to, implying that one is equal to a mother or father. Also similar to père, or the French word for father. Other associations include pear (the fruit) or pair, as in the other half of a couple.
    * '''Parental Unit (PU).''' Neutral, informal, humorous, possibly disrespectful. Used by the alien family in ''Coneheads,'' and taken up by popular culture.<ref name="titles queeries" />
    * '''Per.''' "Neutral, short for parent."<ref name="titles queeries" /> (See also: [[Pronouns#Per|per pronouns]] and [[Gender neutral titles#Pr|Pr title]].)
    * '''Ren.''' Derived from "pa<u>ren</u>t." Gender-neutral. The equivalent to mommy or daddy is "renny." Coined or popularized by Katie Hall in 2017.<ref> Katie Hall. June 11, 2017.
    https://ithelpstodream.tumblr.com/post/161695436793  [https://web.archive.org/web/20201118191559/https://ithelpstodream.tumblr.com/post/161695436793 Archived] on 17 July 2023</ref>
    * '''Rent. ''' Short form of parent.
    * '''Zaza.''' "Queer, based on mama and papa/dada."<ref name="titles queeries" /><ref name="Lane-glossary" />
    * '''Zither.''' "Queer, based on mother and father. (Note, zither is also the name of a musical instrument.)"<ref name="titles queeries" />
     
    ====Child====
     
    Some of these gender-inclusive or gender-queer words refer only to relationship (as in daughter, son, or offspring), others only to age (girl, boy, or young one), and some to both (children).
     
    {{common word
    |word1 = Baby|meaning1 = Standard neutral word for very young offspring or very young people.
    |word2 = Child|meaning2 = Standard gender neutral word for a young person or an offspring. Implied age isn't adult, but may be.
    |word3 = Kid|meaning3 = Standard informal gender neutral term for young children or young offspring.}}
     
    * '''Bitsy.''' Non-standard [[genderqueer]] term for a very young person.<ref name="titles queeries" />
    * '''Charge.''' Standard gender neutral word for a person in the care of another, often one's child.
    * '''Dependent.''' A person who relies on another-- usually a family member who may or may not be their parent-- for financial support; this is most often used as a standard gender-neutral word for a child too young to work. Formal.
    * '''Enby.''' From "NB (nonbinary)", a nonbinary equivalent of the words "boy" and "girl." However, some adults call themselves enbies.<ref>''[https://web.archive.org/web/20210717090737/https://gendercensus.com/post/620965788841558016/on-enby-and-age On “enby” and age]'', 15 June 2020, [https://gendercensus.com Gender Census]</ref>
    * '''Get.''' Poetic language for offspring.
    * '''Little one.''' Neutral word for a very young child or young offspring.
    * '''Minor.''' Standard gender-neutral word for a person under the legal age of consent.
    * '''Nesser.''' Non-standard genderqueer term for "daughter/son".<ref name="titles queeries" />
    * '''Offspring.''' Neutral, standard word, but not usually used for people, except in legal language.
    * '''Oldest.''' Neutral, a way of speaking of one's offspring by saying "my oldest," rather than saying "my daughter/son."<ref name="titles queeries" />
    * '''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 third-, fourth-, or fifth-born, etc. <ref name="titles queeries" />
    * '''Sprog.''' Neutral, crude word for a young person.<ref name="titles queeries" /><ref name="Lane-glossary" />
    * '''Youth.''' Neutral, poetic word for a young person, but usually implied to be male.
    * '''Young.''' Neutral, standard word for offspring, but not usually used for people ("my young.")
    * '''Youngest.''' Neutral, a way of speaking of one's offspring by saying "my youngest," rather than saying "my daughter/son."<ref name="titles queeries" />
    * '''Young one.''' Neutral, poetic. Alternatively: young'un.
    * '''Young person.''' Neutral, standard, formal.
    * '''Ward.''' Standard gender-neutral word for a person, usually a child, under the care of an adult, who may or may not be their parent. Formal.
     
    ====Aunt/Uncle====
     
    Standard English doesn't have a gender neutral word for one's parent's sibling. People have created some words to fill this lexical gap, but they are still uncommon words.
     
    {{common word
    |word1 = Auncle|meaning1 = Combination of aunt and uncle.|ref1 = <ref>[https://twitter.com/NonbinaryWiki/status/1075824956733317121 Poll on Twitter]. [https://web.archive.org/web/20230706011419/https://twitter.com/NonbinaryWiki/status/1075824956733317121 Archived] on 17 July 2023</ref>
    }}
     
    * '''Avaunt.''' It derives from the roots of both "aunt" and "uncle", the anglo-French "aunte" and the Latin "avunculus".
    * '''Bibi.''' "Queer, based on the B in NB [nonbinary], similar to Titi/Zizi."<ref name="titles queeries" />
    * '''Cousin.''' "Neutral, as sometimes people say aunt/uncle for parents’ cousins, or much older cousins."<ref name="titles queeries" />
    *'''Nibi.''' Combination of Nini and Bibi, based on NB.
    * '''Entle.''' "Non-standard alternative that combines the sounds of ''aunt'' and ''uncle'' in a single word."<ref>[https://overexplainingautistic.tumblr.com/post/172886551884/gender-neutral-variant-of-auntuncle?is_related_post=1 Gender neutral variant of aunt/uncle] by Over Explaining Autistic [https://web.archive.org/web/20201030111225/https://overexplainingautistic.tumblr.com/post/172886551884/gender-neutral-variant-of-auntuncle?is_related_post=1 Archived] on 17 July 2023</ref>
    * '''Nini.''' "Queer, based on the N in NB, similar to Titi/Zizi."<ref name="titles queeries" />
    * '''Ommer.''' Non-standard genderqueer term for "aunt/uncle".
    *'''Oggy.''' Non-standard genderqueer/nonbinary term for parents sibling.
    * '''Pibling.''' "Neutral, your parent’s sibling."<ref name="titles queeries" />
    * '''Titi.''' "Neutral, from the Spanish for Aunt (Tia) and Uncle (Tio). (however, it is often a diminuative of aunt.) Tie is also gaining popularity the neutral e becoming more prevalent in casual Spanish. "<ref name="titles queeries" /> "Titi" also happens to be a vulgar Filipino term for penis.{{Citation needed}}
    * '''Zizi.''' "Neutral, from the Italian for Aunt (Zia) and Uncle (Zio). (Note: zizi is also a French children’s ‘cute’ word for penis.)"<ref name="titles queeries" />
    * '''Untie/Unty.''' "Queer, combination of uncle and auntie/aunty."<ref name="titles queeries" />
     
    ====Niece/Nephew====
     
    Standard English doesn't have a gender neutral word for one's sibling's child. People have created some words to fill this lexical gap, but they are still uncommon words.
     
    {{common word
    |word1 = Nibling|meaning1 = Non-standard gender neutral term for "niece/nephew".|ref1 = <ref>[http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/nibling Coined by linguist Samuel E. Martin in 1951 from nephew/niece by analogy with sibling.] [https://web.archive.org/web/20230123013849/https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/nibling Archived] on 17 July 2023</ref>
    }}
     
    * '''Chibling.''' "Neutral, the children of your sibling."<ref name="titles queeries" />
    * '''Cousin.''' "Neutral, as sometimes people say niece/nephew for cousins’ children, or much younger cousins."<ref name="titles queeries" />
    * '''Nespring.''' A mix of ''offspring'' and the Latin word ''nepos'', from which both ''niece'' and ''nephew'' are derived.
    * '''Niecew.''' "Queer, mixture of niece and nephew."<ref name="titles queeries" />
    * '''Nieph.''' "Queer, mixture of niece and nephew."<ref name="titles queeries" />
    * '''Niephling.''' Neutral, mixture of niece, nephew, and sibling. <ref>Jed Hartman. "nibling, niephling, niefling, etc" Oct. 27, 2008. ''Neology'' (blog) https://www.kith.org/journals/neology/2008/10/nibling_niephling_niefling_etc.html [https://web.archive.org/web/20230609233607/https://www.kith.org/journals/neology/2008/10/nibling_niephling_niefling_etc.html Archived] on 17 July 2023</ref>
    * '''Nephiece.''' "Queer, mixture of nephew and niece."<ref name="titles queeries" />
    * '''Sibkid.''' "Neutral, short for sibling’s kid."<ref name="titles queeries" />
    * '''Niephew.''' "A mixture of niece and nephew."<ref name="Lang">{{Cite web |title=Cory Booker: Nonbinary ‘Niephew’ Taught Me How to Be Trans Ally |last=Lang |first=Nico |work=out.com |date=21 August 2019 |access-date=9 June 2020 |url= https://www.out.com/politics/2019/8/21/cory-booker-nonbinary-niephew-taught-me-how-be-trans-ally|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230331003845/https://www.out.com/politics/2019/8/21/cory-booker-nonbinary-niephew-taught-me-how-be-trans-ally |archive-date=17 July 2023 }}</ref>
     
    ====Grandparent====
     
    Gender-neutral or genderqueer words for grandparent.
     
    {{common word
    |word1 = Grandparent|meaning1 = Neutral, formal.|ref1 = <ref name="titles queeries" />}}
     
    * '''Bibi.''' "Queer, based on the B in NB, similar to nana and papa."<ref name="titles queeries" />
    * '''Grandwa.''' "Queer, based on grandma and grandpa."<ref name="titles queeries" />
    * '''Grandy.'''' "Neutral, short for Grandparent, Grandma or Grandpa."<ref name="titles queeries" /><ref name="Lane-glossary" />
    * '''Nini.''' "Queer, based on the N in NB, similar to nana and papa."<ref name="titles queeries" />
    *'''Gran'''. Short for grandparent, grandmother, or grandfather.
     
    ====Sibling====
     
    Gender-neutral or genderqueer words for sibling.
     
    {{common word
    |word1 = Sibling | meaning1 = Standard gender neutral term for sister or brother.
    |word2 = Sib | meaning2 = Short for sibling, equivalent of ''bro'' or ''sis''.}}
     
    * '''Emmer.''' Non-standard genderqueer term for sibling.
    * '''Sibster.''' "Queer, combination of sibling and sister."<ref name="titles queeries" />
    * '''Sibter.''' "Queer, combination of sibling and brother."<ref name="titles queeries" />
     
    ====Partner====
     
    Gender-inclusive or genderqueer words for tentative romantic and sexual partners (as in girlfriend, boyfriend, or date) as well as permanent ones (as in wife, husband, or spouse).
     
    =====Date=====
     
    Gender-neutral and genderqueer words for a non-committed relationship, such as boyfriend, girlfriend, or date.
     
    {{common word
    |word1 = Date |meaning1 = Neutral, the person you are dating.|ref1 = <ref name="titles queeries" />
    |word2 = Love/Lover|meaning2 = Neutral, often implies sexual relationship, but simply refers to someone you love/who loves you.|ref2 = <ref name="titles queeries" />
    |word3 = Sweetie/Sweetheart |meaning3 = Neutral, cheesy or old-fashioned.|ref3 = <ref name="titles queeries" />}}
     
    * '''Birlfriend.''' "Queer, mix of boyfriend and girlfriend."<ref name="titles queeries" /> [[Birl]] is also a particular gender identity.
    * '''Boifriend.''' "Queer, [[boi]] is a particular gender identity."<ref name="titles queeries" />
    * '''Boo.''' From "beau". Originated in African American English, but now used more widely.
    * '''Bothfriend.''' "Queer, for [[bigender]] or [[androgynous]] people."<ref name="titles queeries" />
    * '''Boygirlfriend.''' "Queer, for bigender or androgynous people."<ref name="titles queeries" />
    * '''Cuddle Buddy.''' "Neutral, cheesy."<ref name="titles queeries" />
    * '''Darling.''' Neutral, a general term of affection, similar to sweetheart but not antiquated.
    * '''Datefriend.''' "Neutral, the person you are dating, but fitting the boyfriend/girlfriend pattern."<ref name="titles queeries" />
    * '''Datemate.''' "Neutral, a rhyming version of datefriend, the person you are dating."<ref name="titles queeries" /><ref name="Lane-glossary" />
    * '''Enbyfriend.''' "Queer, based on boyfriend and girfriend. (note: enby comes from NB, non-binary)."<ref name="titles queeries" />
    * '''Feyfriend.''' Queer, due to the implications of "fey."<ref name="titles queeries" />
    * '''Genderfriend.''' "Queer, based on boyfriend and girlfriend."<ref name="titles queeries" />
    * '''Girlboyfriend.''' "Queer, for bigender or androgynous people."<ref name="titles queeries" />
    * '''[name]friend.''' "Queer, based on girlfriend and boyfriend."<ref name="titles queeries" />
    * '''Paramour.''' "Neutral, someone you are having a sexual relationship with."<ref name="titles queeries" />
    * '''Personfriend.''' "Neutral, leaning towards queer, based on boyfriend and girlfriend."<ref name="titles queeries" />
    *'''Theyfriend.''' "Neutral, based on a combination of pronouns and boyfriend and girlfriend."
    *'''Joyfriend.''' "Neutral, cute, based on girlfriend, boyfriend, and theyfriend. <ref>https://realtransfacts.tumblr.com/post/187145281108/enbyfriend-theyfriend-joyfriend [https://web.archive.org/web/20201028030138/https://realtransfacts.tumblr.com/post/187145281108/enbyfriend-theyfriend-joyfriend Archived] on 17 July 2023</ref><ref>{{cite tweet|user=ThatBoyYouLike|number=1162219438667472898|title=If your partner is non-binary you got a joyfriend|date=15 August 2019}}</ref>
     
    =====Significant other=====
     
    Gender-neutral and genderqueer words for a girlfriend, boyfriend, or partner in a committed relationship.
     
    {{common word
    |word1 = Beloved|meaning1 = Neutral, one who one loves.
    |word2 = Partner|meaning2 = Neutral, often (but not necessarily) queer.
    |word3 = Significant Other (SO)|meaning3 = Neutral, quite formal. Implies monogamy.|ref3 = <ref name="titles queeries" />}}
     
    * '''Birlfriend.''' "Queer, mix of boyfriend and girlfriend."<ref name="titles queeries" /> [[Birl]] is also a particular gender identity.
    * '''Boifriend.''' "Queer, [[boi]] is a particular gender identity."<ref name="titles queeries" />
    * '''Boofriend.''' "Neutral, playing off of 'Boo' (above)." Great cute option!
    * '''Bothfriend.''' "Queer, for [[bigender]] or [[androgynous]] people."<ref name="titles queeries" />
    * '''Boygirlfriend.''' "Queer, for bigender or androgynous people."<ref name="titles queeries" />
    * '''Companion.''' "Neutral, reference to Doctor Who’s companions, or Firefly’s Companions."<ref name="titles queeries" />
    * '''Cuddle Buddy.''' "Neutral, cheesy."<ref name="titles queeries" />
    * '''Darling.''' Neutral, a general term of affection, similar to sweetheart but not antiquated.
    * '''Datemate.''' Queer, for nonbinary people.
    * '''Enbyfriend.''' "Queer, based on boyfriend and girfriend. (note: enby comes from NB, non-binary)."<ref name="titles queeries" />
    * '''Feyfriend.''' Queer, due to the implications of "fey."<ref name="titles queeries" />
    * '''Genderfriend.''' "Queer, based on boyfriend and girlfriend."<ref name="titles queeries" />
    * '''Girlboyfriend.''' "Queer, for bigender or androgynous people."<ref name="titles queeries" />
    * '''Imzadi.''' "Neutral, from Star Trek, a Betazed word similar to beloved."<ref name="titles queeries" />
    * '''Loveperson.''' "Neutral, a person that you love."<ref name="titles queeries" />
    * '''[name]friend.''' "Queer, based on girlfriend and boyfriend."<ref name="titles queeries" />
    * '''Other Half.''' "Neutral, informal, and implies monogamy."<ref name="titles queeries" />
    * '''Paramour.''' "Neutral, someone you are having a sexual relationship with."<ref name="titles queeries" />
    * '''Personfriend.''' "Neutral, leaning towards queer, based on boyfriend and girlfriend."<ref name="titles queeries" />
    * '''Signif.''' Neutral. Slang abbreviation of "significant other."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://sunmancer.tumblr.com/post/138108563727/today-my-professor-shortened-the-term-significant|date=26 January 2016|author=Elijah|title=today my professor shortened the term “significant others” to “signifs” reblog to make signif the new gender neutral term for the person you're dating|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201129011403/https://sunmancer.tumblr.com/post/138108563727/today-my-professor-shortened-the-term-significant|archive-date=29 November 2020}}</ref>
    * '''S.O..''' Neutral. Widely used abbreviation of "significant other."
    * '''Soul Mate.''' "Neutral, slightly cheesy, implies belief in soul mates."<ref name="titles queeries" /> Implies monogamy.
    * '''Steady.''' "Neutral, as in 'going steady' or 'steady girlfriend/boyfriend'."<ref name="titles queeries" /> Implies monogamy.
    * '''Sweetie.''' "Neutral, slightly cheesy."<ref name="titles queeries" />
    * '''Sweetheart.''' "Neutral, cheesy or old-fashioned."<ref name="titles queeries" />
     
    =====Fiancée/Fiancé=====
     
    In addition to the above list of words for significant other.
     
    * '''Betrothed.''' "Neutral, formal."<ref name="titles queeries" /> Usually means an arranged marriage.
    * '''Spouse-to-be.'''
    * '''Intended'''. Implies intent to marry.
    * '''Epoxi'''; neutral, from the French ‘''é''poux’ which means husband/spouse.
    * '''Fiancé'''. While traditionally only used for men, it is becoming more common to use it gender-neutrally, for example: "Matt called his fiancé and told her to come to the office."<ref>{{cite web|title=fiancé | url=https://en.wiktionary.org/w/index.php?title=fianc%C3%A9&oldid=62609218|date=26 May 2021 |access-date=28 May 2021|work=Wiktionary, The Free Dictionary.}}</ref><ref name="dict_Fian">{{Cite web |title=Fiancé vs. Fiancée: Which One Is Which? |author= |work=Dictionary.com |date=6 May 2019 |access-date=28 May 2021 |url= https://www.dictionary.com/e/fiance-vs-fiancee/ |quote=there appears to be a growing trend toward using ''fiancé'' as the gender-neutral form for both a man and a woman. |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230315021523/https://www.dictionary.com/e/fiance-vs-fiancee/ |archive-date=17 July 2023 }}</ref>
     
    =====Spouse=====
     
    In addition to the above list of words for significant other.
     
    * '''Spouse.''' "Standard, neutral, formal."<ref name="titles queeries" />
    *'''Epox;''' neutral, from the French ‘''é''poux’ which means husband/spouse.
     
    ====Other family relationships====
     
    Gender-neutral and genderqueer words for other kinds of family relationships.
     
    * '''Godparent.''' Standard gender neutral term for godfather or godmother.
    *'''Godren'''
    * '''Grandchild.''' Standard gender neutral term for grandson or granddaughter.
     
    '''Boy/Girl'''
     
    * '''Enby-''' From NB or nonbinary
    * '''Neut''' as in Neutral
    * '''Null''' gender is null
    * '''Newt''' another form of neutral/neut
     
    ===Professions===
     
    * '''Bartender''' or '''Bar tender.''' Standard gender neutral term for barman or barmaid.
    * '''Business person.''' Standard gender neutral term for businessman or businesswoman.
    * '''Clergy member.''' Standard gender neutral term for clergyman, priest, priestess, and many religious titles.
    *'''Consort.''' Term for the Queen or Prince Consort, dropping the gendered part.
    * '''Cowhand.''' Standard gender neutral term for cowboy or cowgirl.
    * '''Comedian.''' Standard gender neutral term. Although some people use "comedienne" for women, "comedian" is generally considered non-gendered.
    * '''Flight attendant.''' Standard gender neutral term for stewardess/steward (on a plane).
    * '''Heroix.''' Proposed nonbinary equivalent to hero or heroine that specifies an individual doing heroic work is nonbinary.
    * '''Horse rider/Equestrian.''' Standard gender neutral term for horseman or horsewoman.
    *'''-ling.''' Gender neutral Old English suffix for someone involved in something. Can be used in place of "-man", "-person" or "-woman" as a suffix for occupation, such as "businessling".<ref>[https://www.mentalfloss.com/article/52135/3-facts-about-english%E2%80%99s-most-adorable-suffix-ling#:~:text=JUST%20A%20GENERAL%20NOUN%2DMAKER,fiction%20meaning%20came%20much%20later https://www.mentalfloss.com/article/52135/3-facts-about-english%E2%80%99s-most-adorable-suffix-ling] [https://web.archive.org/web/20230612053238/https://www.mentalfloss.com/article/52135/3-facts-about-english%E2%80%99s-most-adorable-suffix-ling Archived] on 17 July 2023</ref>
    * '''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 a prince or princess.
    * '''Movie star''' or '''TV star'''. Standard gender neutral terms for "actor"/"actress", although increasingly the word "actor" is being used regardless of gender,<ref name="Hartzer">{{Cite web |title=Gender Neutral: Actor |last=Hartzer |first=Paul |work=Medium |date=2 January 2020 |access-date=3 July 2020 |url= https://medium.com/@paulhartzer/gender-neutral-actor-90f5ff200f4d|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201028190403/https://medium.com/@paulhartzer/gender-neutral-actor-90f5ff200f4d |archive-date=17 July 2023 }}</ref> including by some nonbinary stars such as [[Asia Kate Dillon]].<ref name="Dillon2020">{{Cite web |title='Billions' Star Asia Kate Dillon Calls for SAG Awards to Abolish Gender-Specific Categories (EXCLUSIVE) |last=Dillon |first=Asia Kate |work=Variety |date=10 June 2020 |access-date=3 July 2020 |url= https://variety.com/2020/tv/news/asia-kate-dillon-billions-sag-awards-open-letter-1234630871/#!|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230426183029/https://variety.com/2020/tv/news/asia-kate-dillon-billions-sag-awards-open-letter-1234630871/ |archive-date=17 July 2023 }}</ref>
    * '''Noble.''' A nobleman/noblewoman, lord/lady, prince/princess, duke/duchess, or many other noble ranks that lack specific gender neutral titles.
    * '''Prime.''' Derived from Latin. Gender Neutral term for a prince or princess.
    * '''Princexx/Princex/Prinx/Prin/Prinxe/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.
    * '''Priestx'''. Other gender neutral term to substitute for Priest or Priestess, mainly used in [[Pagan]] community.
    * '''Quing'''. Neologistic gender-neutral term for a monarch.
    * '''Royalty.''' Standard. Usually refers to a family but can be used as a Gender Neutral term for a prince/princess or a king/queen.
    * '''Server.''' Standard gender neutral term for a person who provides items to customers, such as a "waiter/waitress" or "steward/stewardess".
    * '''Wix'''. Neologistic gender neutral term for a magic user (akin to "witch"/"wizard"). Originated in Harry Potter fandom<ref>https://wixenzine.tumblr.com/about [https://web.archive.org/web/20201129011538/https://wixenzine.tumblr.com/about Archived] on 17 July 2023</ref>, created by tumblr blog magicqueers.<ref>https://fanlore.org/wiki/Wix [https://web.archive.org/web/20230628171727/https://fanlore.org/wiki/Wix Archived] on 17 July 2023</ref> However, many people view "witch" as gender neutral instead of specific to women.<ref>[https://getbewitched.tumblr.com/post/622284433430609920/are-you-still-a-witch-if Are you still a witch if:] [https://web.archive.org/web/20201027223745/https://getbewitched.tumblr.com/post/622284433430609920/are-you-still-a-witch-if Archived] on 17 July 2023</ref><ref>[https://black-raven200.tumblr.com/post/622866451403063296/the-term-witch-is-gender-neutral-pass-it-on The term “witch” is gender neutral, pass it on] [https://web.archive.org/web/20201118192051/https://black-raven200.tumblr.com/post/622866451403063296/the-term-witch-is-gender-neutral-pass-it-on Archived] on 17 July 2023</ref><ref>[https://ravenhexxx.tumblr.com/post/190956765857 A witch is a witch regardless of gender] [https://web.archive.org/web/20201118192032/https://ravenhexxx.tumblr.com/post/190956765857 Archived] on 17 July 2023</ref>
     
    ===Descriptions===
     
    * '''Attractive.''' Gender neutral term equally applicable to "handsome" or "beautiful" individuals. Implies the speaker experiences some form of attraction, so might not be suitable for people who are [[aromantic]] or [[asexual]].
    * '''Good-looking.''' Standard gender neutral term.
    * '''Gorgeous.''' Gender neutral alternative to "handsome" or "beautiful," but tends to be feminine.
    * '''Youthful.''' Gender neutral alternative to "boyish" or perhaps "girlish," but tends to be masculine.
    *'''Dapper.''' Gender neutral alternative to "handsome" or "beautiful," but tends to be masculine.
    *'''Charming.''' Gender neutral alternative to "handsome" or "beautiful," but tends to be masculine.
    *'''Snazzy.''' Gender neutral alternative to "handsome" or "beautiful," tends to be a more playful term.
     
    ===Deity titles===
     
    * '''Absolute Being.''' Standard term for a monotheistic deity, without implied gender.
    * '''Almighty.''' Standard term for a monotheistic deity, without implied gender.
    * '''Creator.''' Standard term for a deity who created the world and/or humankind.
    * '''Deity.''' Standard gender neutral term for a god or goddess.
    * '''Divine, the.''' Common gender neutral term for a deity or supernatural forces.
    * '''Divine being.''' Common gender neutral term for a deity or supernatural entity.
    * '''God.''' Standard gender neutral term for a god or goddess, but tends to be presumed male.
    * '''Goddex.''' "Queer, based on the God/dess ending."<ref name="titles queeries" />
    * '''Goddette.''' "Queer, based on the God/ess ending."<ref name="titles queeries" />
    * '''Goddeq.''' "Queer, based on the God/ess ending."<ref name="titles queeries" />
    * '''Heavens, the'''. Common gender neutral term for a deity, deities, or supernatural forces.
    * '''Higher Power'''. Standard gender neutral term for a deity, deities, or supernatural forces.
    * '''Liege.''' Neutral equivalent of lord or lady.
    * '''Powers that be.''' Common gender neutral term for a god, goddess, or similar supernatural beings or forces.
    * '''Ruler.''' Neutral equivalent of lord or lady.
    * '''Sovereign.''' Neutral equivalent of lord or lady.
    * '''Wild Divine, the.''' New Age name for God, Goddess, or primal supernatural forces.
     
    ===Other terms===
     
    * '''Bachelorx.''' Neutral, alternative to bachelor and bachelorette.<ref>[https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/bachelorx "bachelorx"]. ''Wiktionary, The Free Dictionary.'' 19 October 2022. Retrieved 2 December 2022.</ref>
    * '''Fanenby.''' Queer, using enby after fanboy or fangirl.<ref name="titles queeries" />
    *'''Fanby.''' Queer. Similar to Fanenby
    * '''Fankid.''' Neutral, after fanboy or fangirl.
    * '''Fanchild.''' Neutral. Similar to fankid.
    * '''Fellowship of the Rings.''' Neutral alternative to a party of nonbinary Wedding Ushers.
    * '''Wedding usher.''' Neutral, alternative to bridesmaid or groomsman.
     
    ==See also==
    * [[Gender neutral language]]
    * [[Glossary of English gender and sex terminology]]
     
    ==External links==
    * "Gender neutral/queer titles." ''Gender Queeries.'' [http://genderqueeries.tumblr.com/titles http://genderqueeries.tumblr.com/titles]
     
    ==References==
    <references/>
     
    [[Category:Gender neutral language]]

    Revision as of 03:34, 8 December 2023

    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.
    • Mezz; pronounced [mɛz].[3]
    • 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.[4]
    • Tiz; neutral, short for citizen.
    • Zam. Neutral, based on shazam, coined by Arin Wolfe.[5]
    • Ser; neutral, based on Final Fantasy XIV's usage for both male and female knights of Ishgard.

    Common nouns

    Type of common noun Feminine Masculine Gender inclusive (could be masculine or feminine) Specifically nonbinary
    Young person Girl, maiden Boy, youth Child, kid, infant, teen, teenager, tween, young person, youth Enby
    Adult person Woman, gal, lady Man, gentleman, lad Adult, gentlebeing, gentleperson, grownup Enby, enban
    Person of any age Female Male Being, human, human being, 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.[6])

    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[7]
    • Baba. "Neutral, based on mama and dada. (Note, baba means dad in some languages and grandmother in others.)"[7]
    • Bibi. "Queer, based on the B in NB [nonbinary], similar to mama and papa/dada."[7]
    • Cenn. "Neutral, short for cennend," which see.[7]
    • Cennend. "Neutral, Old English (Anglo-Saxon) meaning parent."[7]
    • 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)."[7]
    • Mada. Queer, mixture of mama and dad.
    • Maddy. "Queer, mixture of mummy/mommy and daddy."[7] Note: Sometimes used to mean a trans woman who has children.[8]
    • Moddy. "Queer, mixture of mommy and daddy."[7]
    • Moppa / Mopa. A mix of mommy and papa.[9]
    • Muddy. "Queer, mixture of mummy and daddy."[7]
    • Nibi. "A mix of bibi and nini."
    • Nini. "Queer, based on the N in NB, similar to mama and papa/dada."[7]
    • 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."[7]
    • 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.[7]
    • Per. "Neutral, short for parent."[7] (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.[10]
    • Rent. Short form of parent.
    • Zaza. "Queer, based on mama and papa/dada."[7][8]
    • Zither. "Queer, based on mother and father. (Note, zither is also the name of a musical instrument.)"[7]

    Child

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

    Common 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.
    • Bitsy. Non-standard genderqueer term for a very young person.[7]
    • 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.[11]
    • 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".[7]
    • Offspring. Neutral, standard word, but not usually used for people, except in legal language.
    • Oldest. Neutral, a way of speaking of one's offspring by saying "my oldest," rather than saying "my daughter/son."[7]
    • 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 third-, fourth-, or fifth-born, etc. [7]
    • Sprog. Neutral, crude word for a young person.[7][8]
    • 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. Neutral, a way of speaking of one's offspring by saying "my youngest," rather than saying "my daughter/son."[7]
    • 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.[12]
    • 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."[7]
    • Cousin. "Neutral, as sometimes people say aunt/uncle for parents’ cousins, or much older cousins."[7]
    • 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."[13]
    • Nini. "Queer, based on the N in NB, similar to Titi/Zizi."[7]
    • Ommer. Non-standard genderqueer term for "aunt/uncle".
    • Oggy. Non-standard genderqueer/nonbinary term for parents sibling.
    • Pibling. "Neutral, your parent’s sibling."[7]
    • 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. "[7] "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.)"[7]
    • Untie/Unty. "Queer, combination of uncle and auntie/aunty."[7]

    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".[14]
    • Chibling. "Neutral, the children of your sibling."[7]
    • Cousin. "Neutral, as sometimes people say niece/nephew for cousins’ children, or much younger cousins."[7]
    • Nespring. A mix of offspring and the Latin word nepos, from which both niece and nephew are derived.
    • Niecew. "Queer, mixture of niece and nephew."[7]
    • Nieph. "Queer, mixture of niece and nephew."[7]
    • Niephling. Neutral, mixture of niece, nephew, and sibling. [15]
    • Nephiece. "Queer, mixture of nephew and niece."[7]
    • Sibkid. "Neutral, short for sibling’s kid."[7]
    • Niephew. "A mixture of niece and nephew."[16]

    Grandparent

    Gender-neutral or genderqueer words for grandparent.

    Common words

    • Grandparent: Neutral, formal.[7]
    • Bibi. "Queer, based on the B in NB, similar to nana and papa."[7]
    • Grandwa. "Queer, based on grandma and grandpa."[7]
    • Grandy.' "Neutral, short for Grandparent, Grandma or Grandpa."[7][8]
    • Nini. "Queer, based on the N in NB, similar to nana and papa."[7]
    • Gran. Short for grandparent, grandmother, or grandfather.

    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.
    • Emmer. Non-standard genderqueer term for sibling.
    • Sibster. "Queer, combination of sibling and sister."[7]
    • Sibter. "Queer, combination of sibling and brother."[7]

    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.[7]
    • Love/Lover: Neutral, often implies sexual relationship, but simply refers to someone you love/who loves you.[7]
    • Sweetie/Sweetheart: Neutral, cheesy or old-fashioned.[7]
    • Birlfriend. "Queer, mix of boyfriend and girlfriend."[7] Birl is also a particular gender identity.
    • Boifriend. "Queer, boi is a particular gender identity."[7]
    • Boo. From "beau". Originated in African American English, but now used more widely.
    • Bothfriend. "Queer, for bigender or androgynous people."[7]
    • Boygirlfriend. "Queer, for bigender or androgynous people."[7]
    • Cuddle Buddy. "Neutral, cheesy."[7]
    • 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."[7]
    • Datemate. "Neutral, a rhyming version of datefriend, the person you are dating."[7][8]
    • Enbyfriend. "Queer, based on boyfriend and girfriend. (note: enby comes from NB, non-binary)."[7]
    • Feyfriend. Queer, due to the implications of "fey."[7]
    • Genderfriend. "Queer, based on boyfriend and girlfriend."[7]
    • Girlboyfriend. "Queer, for bigender or androgynous people."[7]
    • [name]friend. "Queer, based on girlfriend and boyfriend."[7]
    • Paramour. "Neutral, someone you are having a sexual relationship with."[7]
    • Personfriend. "Neutral, leaning towards queer, based on boyfriend and girlfriend."[7]
    • Theyfriend. "Neutral, based on a combination of pronouns and boyfriend and girlfriend."
    • Joyfriend. "Neutral, cute, based on girlfriend, boyfriend, and theyfriend. [17][18]
    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.[7]
    • Birlfriend. "Queer, mix of boyfriend and girlfriend."[7] Birl is also a particular gender identity.
    • Boifriend. "Queer, boi is a particular gender identity."[7]
    • Boofriend. "Neutral, playing off of 'Boo' (above)." Great cute option!
    • Bothfriend. "Queer, for bigender or androgynous people."[7]
    • Boygirlfriend. "Queer, for bigender or androgynous people."[7]
    • Companion. "Neutral, reference to Doctor Who’s companions, or Firefly’s Companions."[7]
    • Cuddle Buddy. "Neutral, cheesy."[7]
    • 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)."[7]
    • Feyfriend. Queer, due to the implications of "fey."[7]
    • Genderfriend. "Queer, based on boyfriend and girlfriend."[7]
    • Girlboyfriend. "Queer, for bigender or androgynous people."[7]
    • Imzadi. "Neutral, from Star Trek, a Betazed word similar to beloved."[7]
    • Loveperson. "Neutral, a person that you love."[7]
    • [name]friend. "Queer, based on girlfriend and boyfriend."[7]
    • Other Half. "Neutral, informal, and implies monogamy."[7]
    • Paramour. "Neutral, someone you are having a sexual relationship with."[7]
    • Personfriend. "Neutral, leaning towards queer, based on boyfriend and girlfriend."[7]
    • Signif. Neutral. Slang abbreviation of "significant other."[19]
    • S.O.. Neutral. Widely used abbreviation of "significant other."
    • Soul Mate. "Neutral, slightly cheesy, implies belief in soul mates."[7] Implies monogamy.
    • Steady. "Neutral, as in 'going steady' or 'steady girlfriend/boyfriend'."[7] Implies monogamy.
    • Sweetie. "Neutral, slightly cheesy."[7]
    • Sweetheart. "Neutral, cheesy or old-fashioned."[7]
    Fiancée/Fiancé

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

    • Betrothed. "Neutral, formal."[7] Usually means an arranged marriage.
    • Spouse-to-be.
    • Intended. Implies intent to marry.
    • Epoxi; neutral, from the French ‘époux’ which means husband/spouse.
    • Fiancé. 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."[20][21]
    Spouse

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

    • Spouse. "Standard, neutral, formal."[7]
    • Epox; neutral, from the French ‘époux’ which means husband/spouse.

    Other family relationships

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

    • Godparent. Standard gender neutral term for godfather or godmother.
    • Godren
    • Grandchild. Standard gender neutral term for grandson or granddaughter.

    Boy/Girl

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

    Professions

    • Bartender or Bar tender. Standard gender neutral term for barman or barmaid.
    • Business person. Standard gender neutral term for businessman or businesswoman.
    • Clergy member. Standard gender neutral term for clergyman, priest, priestess, and many religious titles.
    • Consort. Term for the Queen or Prince Consort, dropping the gendered part.
    • Cowhand. Standard gender neutral term for cowboy or cowgirl.
    • Comedian. Standard gender neutral term. Although some people use "comedienne" for women, "comedian" is generally considered non-gendered.
    • Flight attendant. Standard gender neutral term for stewardess/steward (on a plane).
    • Heroix. Proposed nonbinary equivalent to hero or heroine that specifies an individual doing heroic work is nonbinary.
    • Horse rider/Equestrian. Standard gender neutral term for horseman or horsewoman.
    • -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".[22]
    • 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 a prince or princess.
    • Movie star or TV star. Standard gender neutral terms for "actor"/"actress", although increasingly the word "actor" is being used regardless of gender,[23] including by some nonbinary stars such as Asia Kate Dillon.[24]
    • Noble. A nobleman/noblewoman, lord/lady, prince/princess, duke/duchess, or many other noble ranks that lack specific gender neutral titles.
    • Prime. Derived from Latin. Gender Neutral term for a prince or princess.
    • Princexx/Princex/Prinx/Prin/Prinxe/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.
    • Priestx. Other gender neutral term to substitute for Priest or Priestess, mainly used in Pagan community.
    • Quing. Neologistic gender-neutral term for a monarch.
    • Royalty. Standard. Usually refers to a family but can be used as a Gender Neutral term for a prince/princess or a king/queen.
    • Server. Standard gender neutral term for a person who provides items to customers, such as a "waiter/waitress" or "steward/stewardess".
    • Wix. Neologistic gender neutral term for a magic user (akin to "witch"/"wizard"). Originated in Harry Potter fandom[25], created by tumblr blog magicqueers.[26] However, many people view "witch" as gender neutral instead of specific to women.[27][28][29]

    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."[7]
    • Goddette. "Queer, based on the God/ess ending."[7]
    • Goddeq. "Queer, based on the God/ess ending."[7]
    • 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

    • Bachelorx. Neutral, alternative to bachelor and bachelorette.[30]
    • Fanenby. Queer, using enby after fanboy or fangirl.[7]
    • 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.
    • Wedding usher. Neutral, alternative to bridesmaid or groomsman.

    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. ↑ 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.
    4. ↑ "Facebook Groups". www.facebook.com. Archived from the original on 17 July 2023. Retrieved 2020-11-18.
    5. ↑ "Facebook Groups". www.facebook.com. Archived from the original on 17 July 2023. Retrieved 2020-11-18.
    6. ↑ https://nonbinarywiki.tumblr.com/post/621003149724041217/on-enby-and-age Archived on 17 July 2023
    7. ↑ 7.00 7.01 7.02 7.03 7.04 7.05 7.06 7.07 7.08 7.09 7.10 7.11 7.12 7.13 7.14 7.15 7.16 7.17 7.18 7.19 7.20 7.21 7.22 7.23 7.24 7.25 7.26 7.27 7.28 7.29 7.30 7.31 7.32 7.33 7.34 7.35 7.36 7.37 7.38 7.39 7.40 7.41 7.42 7.43 7.44 7.45 7.46 7.47 7.48 7.49 7.50 7.51 7.52 7.53 7.54 7.55 7.56 7.57 7.58 7.59 7.60 7.61 7.62 7.63 7.64 7.65 7.66 7.67 7.68 7.69 7.70 7.71 7.72 7.73 7.74 7.75 7.76 7.77 7.78 7.79 7.80 7.81 7.82 7.83 7.84 "Gender neutral/queer titles." Gender Queeries. http://genderqueeries.tumblr.com/titles Archived on 17 July 2023
    8. ↑ 8.0 8.1 8.2 8.3 8.4 Lane, S. Nicole (26 June 2019). "LGBTQ Glossary". Chicago Reader. Archived from the original on 17 July 2023. Retrieved 18 November 2020.
    9. ↑ 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.
    10. ↑ Katie Hall. June 11, 2017. https://ithelpstodream.tumblr.com/post/161695436793 Archived on 17 July 2023
    11. ↑ On “enby” and age, 15 June 2020, Gender Census
    12. ↑ Poll on Twitter. Archived on 17 July 2023
    13. ↑ Gender neutral variant of aunt/uncle by Over Explaining Autistic Archived on 17 July 2023
    14. ↑ Coined by linguist Samuel E. Martin in 1951 from nephew/niece by analogy with sibling. Archived on 17 July 2023
    15. ↑ 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
    16. ↑ 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.
    17. ↑ https://realtransfacts.tumblr.com/post/187145281108/enbyfriend-theyfriend-joyfriend Archived on 17 July 2023
    18. ↑ @ThatBoyYouLike (15 August 2019). "If your partner is non-binary you got a joyfriend" – via Twitter.
    19. ↑ 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.
    20. ↑ "fiancé". Wiktionary, The Free Dictionary. 26 May 2021. Retrieved 28 May 2021.
    21. ↑ "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.
    22. ↑ https://www.mentalfloss.com/article/52135/3-facts-about-english%E2%80%99s-most-adorable-suffix-ling Archived on 17 July 2023
    23. ↑ Hartzer, Paul (2 January 2020). "Gender Neutral: Actor". Medium. Archived from the original on 17 July 2023. Retrieved 3 July 2020.
    24. ↑ 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.
    25. ↑ https://wixenzine.tumblr.com/about Archived on 17 July 2023
    26. ↑ https://fanlore.org/wiki/Wix Archived on 17 July 2023
    27. ↑ Are you still a witch if: Archived on 17 July 2023
    28. ↑ The term “witch” is gender neutral, pass it on Archived on 17 July 2023
    29. ↑ A witch is a witch regardless of gender Archived on 17 July 2023
    30. ↑ "bachelorx". Wiktionary, The Free Dictionary. 19 October 2022. Retrieved 2 December 2022.
    Retrieved from "https://nonbinary.wiki/index.php?title=Gender_neutral_language_in_English&oldid=38699"