Gender neutral language: Difference between revisions

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==English==
==English==
 
This section has it's own article at [[Gender neutral language in English]].
''See also: [[Glossary of English gender and sex terminology]].''
 
English has grammatical gender, but 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/]</ref> There is enough to make a challenge for nonbinary people who don't want gendered language to be used for them.
 
Gender-neutral language has become common in English today largely thanks to the pioneering work by feminists Casey Miller and Kate Swift. During the 1970s, they began the work of encouraging inclusive language, as an alternative to sexist language that excludes or dehumanizes women. Miller and Swift wrote a manual on gender-neutral language, ''The Handbook of Nonsexist Writing'' (1980). Miller and Swift also proposed a set of gender-neutral pronouns, [[Pronouns#Tey|tey]], although they later favored [[Pronouns#They|singular they]], or [[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 </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).
 
Much of the language that is often called gender-neutral has a problem: it's more than a little bit male. This is the problem that the [[Pronouns#He|gender-neutral he pronoun]], "you guys," and similar kinds of language have in common. "Linguists call male terms used to include females ''androcentric generics.''"<ref>Suzanne Romaine, ''Communicating Gender.'' Mahwah, New Jersey: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates, 1999, p. 104.</ref> Androcentric generics have several problems. It can be arbitrarily seen as either including women or excluding women depending on whims, which has made trouble for women when it happens in legal documents. It can also give the impression that someone is in some way male, which can be unclear or insulting to people of other genders.
 
Much of other gender-neutral language has a problem: it gives the idea that female and male are the only genders. For example, calling an unspecified person by [[Pronouns#He or she|he or she pronouns]], a speaker addressing "ladies and gentlemen," an invitation saying "both genders welcome," and so on. Much of Western society thinks this is inclusive enough, because it doesn't know there are other genders. This language excludes nonbinary people, who would prefer an unspecified person to be called "they" rather than "he or she," would prefer a speaker to address "the audience," and an invitation saying "all genders welcome."
 
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|third gender]], others are multigender. Terms will be marked with the implied gender identity when possible.
 
===Pronouns===
 
''See main article at [[Pronouns]].''
 
Some examples of inclusive or alternative pronouns:
 
{|
 
|-
|they
|them
|theirs
|themself
|-
|e
|em
|es
|emself
|-
|ey
|em
|eirs
|eirself
|-
|ze
|hir
|hirs
|hirself
|-
|xe
|per
|pers
|perself
|-
|sie
|hum
|hus
|huself
|-
|xhe
|herm
|herms
|hermself
|-
|thee
|ther
|thers
|therself
|}
''(hir is pronounced "here")''
 
rows:  [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Singular_they singular they],  [https://thebetter.wiki/en/Spivak_pronoun spivak (rogers)],  [https://www.mypronouns.org/ze-hir/ ze/hir],  [https://genderneutralpronoun.wordpress.com/tag/xe/ xe]/[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Woman_on_the_Edge_of_Time per],  [https://genderneutralpronoun.wordpress.com/tag/sie-and-hir/ sie]/[https://www.wou.edu/wp/safezone/terminology/pronouns/ hum], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hermaphroditus 6)] [http://soda10years.dance/xhe/ xhe]/[https://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=hermself herm],  [https://www.quora.com/If-English-had-a-gender-neutral-third-person-pronoun-what-would-it-most-likely-sound-like-and-be-written/answer/Mark-Jones-203 thee/ther]
 
===Titles===
 
''See main article at [[Gender neutral titles]].''
 
===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. A list in alphabetical order.
 
*'''[https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/baba Baba].''' "Neutral, based on mama and papa. Can call to mind the children's character [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Babar_the_Elephant Babar], or the monster [http://www.rollingstone.com/culture/why-babadook-is-the-perfect-symbol-for-gay-pride-w487697 Babadook] (Note, baba means dad in some languages and grandmother in others.)"<ref>"Gender neutral/queer titles." ''Gender Queeries.'' [http://genderqueeries.tumblr.com/titles http://genderqueeries.tumblr.com/titles]</ref>
* '''Bibi.''' "Queer, based on the B in NB [nonbinary], similar to mama and papa/dada."<ref>"Gender neutral/queer titles." ''Gender Queeries.'' [http://genderqueeries.tumblr.com/titles http://genderqueeries.tumblr.com/titles]</ref>
* '''Cenn.''' "Neutral, short for cennend," which see.<ref>"Gender neutral/queer titles." ''Gender Queeries.'' [http://genderqueeries.tumblr.com/titles http://genderqueeries.tumblr.com/titles]</ref>
* '''Cennend.''' "Neutral, Old English (Anglo-Saxon) meaning parent."<ref>"Gender neutral/queer titles." ''Gender Queeries.'' [http://genderqueeries.tumblr.com/titles http://genderqueeries.tumblr.com/titles]</ref>
* '''Dommy.''' "Queer, mixture of mommy and daddy (note: sounds like Dom/me, a BDSM term)."<ref>"Gender neutral/queer titles." ''Gender Queeries.'' [http://genderqueeries.tumblr.com/titles http://genderqueeries.tumblr.com/titles]</ref>
* '''Mad.''' Queer, mixture of mom and dad.
*'''Mada.''' Queer, mixture of mama and dad.
* '''[http://www.nytimes.com/2009/04/26/fashion/26love.html Maddy].''' "Queer, mixture of mom and daddy. Used by author [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jennifer_Finney_Boylan Jennifer Finney Boylan]. "<ref>"Gender neutral/queer titles." ''Gender Queeries.'' [http://genderqueeries.tumblr.com/titles http://genderqueeries.tumblr.com/titles]</ref>
* '''Moddy.''' "Queer, mixture of mom and daddy."<ref>"Gender neutral/queer titles." ''Gender Queeries.'' [http://genderqueeries.tumblr.com/titles http://genderqueeries.tumblr.com/titles]</ref>
* '''Momo.''' Japanese word for peaches. This is also a South Asian dumpling. Momo looks like ‘mom’ in English, but with a more masculine ‘o’ ending.
* '''Moppa.''' Queer, mixture of mom and poppa. Used in the show [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Transparent_(TV_series) Transparent]
* '''Muddy.''' "Queer, mixture of mum and daddy."<ref>"Gender neutral/queer titles." ''Gender Queeries.'' [http://genderqueeries.tumblr.com/titles http://genderqueeries.tumblr.com/titles]</ref>
* '''Nini.''' "Queer, based on the N in NB, similar to mama and papa/dada."<ref>"Gender neutral/queer titles." ''Gender Queeries.'' [http://genderqueeries.tumblr.com/titles http://genderqueeries.tumblr.com/titles]</ref>
* '''Non.''' Follows a similar pattern (CvC) to Mom or Dad, could be short for "nonbinary". Variation '''Nonny''' for use with young children, similar to Mommy or Daddy.
* '''Par.''' "Neutral, short for parent."<ref>"Gender neutral/queer titles." ''Gender Queeries.'' [http://genderqueeries.tumblr.com/titles http://genderqueeries.tumblr.com/titles]</ref>
* '''Pare/Pair.''' "Depending on spelling, this can be a shortening of the word "parent" or the "pair" to another parent or to the child. This can also reference an [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Au_pair au pair]. An au pair is a live in childcare worker, but the term means "equal to", implying that one is equal to a mother or father. An au pair is usually a woman, but not always. The title could also call to mind the French word for father, or the fruit as a general affectionate nickname"
* '''Parent.''' "Neutral, formal."<ref>"Gender neutral/queer titles." ''Gender Queeries.'' [http://genderqueeries.tumblr.com/titles http://genderqueeries.tumblr.com/titles]</ref>
* '''Parental Unit (PU).''' Neutral, informal, humorous, possibly disrespectful. Used by the alien family in ''Coneheads,'' and taken up by popular culture.<ref>"Gender neutral/queer titles." ''Gender Queeries.'' [http://genderqueeries.tumblr.com/titles http://genderqueeries.tumblr.com/titles]</ref>
* '''Per.''' "Neutral, short for parent."<ref>"Gender neutral/queer titles." ''Gender Queeries.'' [http://genderqueeries.tumblr.com/titles http://genderqueeries.tumblr.com/titles]</ref> (See also: [[Pronouns#Per|per pronouns]] and [[Gender neutral titles#Pr|Pr title]].)
* '''Poppy.''' "Pop" and variations thereof are sometimes used to refer to one's father and adding a "y" to the end of a parental title is common and affectionate. Poppy is also a type of flower and a woman's name.
*'''[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Poppet Poppet].''' British endearment for a child or woman. "Pop" is a word for one's father and "et" is generally a diminutive ending.
* '''Ren/Renny''' Neutral, short for paRENt, can be used in place of mom/mommy/dad/daddy. Ren is also a name and a somewhat relevant Confucian ideal.
* '''Zaza.''' "Queer, based on mama and papa/dada."<ref>"Gender neutral/queer titles." ''Gender Queeries.'' [http://genderqueeries.tumblr.com/titles http://genderqueeries.tumblr.com/titles]</ref>
* '''[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zither Zither.]''' "Queer, based on mother and father. "<ref>"Gender neutral/queer titles." ''Gender Queeries.'' [http://genderqueeries.tumblr.com/titles http://genderqueeries.tumblr.com/titles]</ref>
 
====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). Alphabetical order.
 
* '''Baby.''' Standard neutral word for very young offspring or very young people, often younger than one year old.
* '''Bitsy.''' Non-standard [[genderqueer]] term for a very young person. Spike calls Dawn "little bit" in BtVS <ref>"Gender neutral/queer titles." ''Gender Queeries.'' [http://genderqueeries.tumblr.com/titles http://genderqueeries.tumblr.com/titles]</ref>
* '''Charge.''' Standard gender neutral word for a person in the care of another, often one's child.
* '''Child.''' Standard gender neutral word for a young person or an offspring. Implied age isn't adult, but may be.
* '''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.
* '''Eldest.''' Neutral, a way of speaking of one's offspring by saying "my eldest," rather than saying "my daughter/son."
* '''[http://gender.wikia.com/wiki/Enby Enby.]''' From "NB (nonbinary)", a nonbinary equivalent of the words "boy" and "girl." However, some adults call themselves enbies.
* '''Get.''' Poetic language for offspring.
* '''Kid.''' Standard informal gender neutral term for young children or young offspring.
* '''Little one.''' Neutral word for a very young child or young offspring.
* '''Lun.''' Conjunction of the words "loved one". Alternative to "daughter/son".
* '''Minor.''' Standard gender-neutral word for a person under the legal age of consent.
* '''Nesser/[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Loch_Ness_Monster Nessie].''' Non-standard genderqueer term for "daughter/son".<ref>"Gender neutral/queer titles." ''Gender Queeries.'' [http://genderqueeries.tumblr.com/titles http://genderqueeries.tumblr.com/titles]</ref>
* '''[http://aminoapps.com/p/y8dgsg Nore.]''' This word was voted for by an [http://aminoapps.com/ online trans community]. "Nore" is derived from the sentence "I am neither a boy '''nor''' a girl". The word also has letters from the words "'''n'''on-binary" or "'''n'''eutrality", "b'''o'''y", "gi'''r'''l", and "'''e'''nby" which can represent non-binary people being a mix of masculine and feminine, both, or neither. The word was made not to replace the popularized word "enby", but to stand by it as a more formal alternative to girl/boy, since "enby" was considered to be too "cute".
* '''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>"Gender neutral/queer titles." ''Gender Queeries.'' [http://genderqueeries.tumblr.com/titles http://genderqueeries.tumblr.com/titles]</ref>
*'''[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Poppet Poppet].''' British endearment for a child or young woman.
* '''Sprog.''' Neutral, crude word for a young person.<ref>"Gender neutral/queer titles." ''Gender Queeries.'' [http://genderqueeries.tumblr.com/titles http://genderqueeries.tumblr.com/titles]</ref>
* '''[https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/sprout Sprout.]''' A young growing plant, can refer to one's child. The Hufflepuff professor from Harry Potter was called Professor Sprout.
* '''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>"Gender neutral/queer titles." ''Gender Queeries.'' [http://genderqueeries.tumblr.com/titles http://genderqueeries.tumblr.com/titles]</ref>
* '''Youngling.''' Gender neutral term for young children (best known from Star Wars, but also attended centuries earlier, with reference to a male [baby Jesus] in the lyrics of The Coventry Carol).
* '''Youngster.''' A word for a child, usually older than "baby" and a few years younger than "adult".
* '''Young one.''' Neutral, poetic.
* '''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.
 
====Sibling====
 
Gender-neutral or genderqueer words for sibling. Alphabetical order.
 
* '''Emmer.''' Non-standard genderqueer term for sibling (emmer-ald, emm, emmy).
* '''Bro.''' Short for brother. This one is taking advantage of sexism/ the male standard in language to use a more masculine term as a way to casually refer to siblings in general. The casualness of the abbreviation might make it slightly less gendered than the full word ‘brother’. Sometimes people associate ‘bro’ with fraternities and irresponsibility.
* '''Broster.''' This can be a mashup of ‘'''bro'''ther’ and ‘si'''ster'''’. It can also come from ‘bro’ with the suffix ‘ster’ added. Some people might associate ‘broster’ with ‘bro’.
* '''Sib.''' Short for sibling. Equivalent of bro or sis. "Sibby" could be a casual form.
* '''Sibling.''' Standard gender neutral term for sister or brother.
* '''Sibster.''' "Queer, combination of sibling and sister."<ref>"Gender neutral/queer titles." ''Gender Queeries.'' [http://genderqueeries.tumblr.com/titles http://genderqueeries.tumblr.com/titles]</ref>
* '''Sibler.''' "Queer, combination of sibling and brother/sister."<ref>"Gender neutral/queer titles." ''Gender Queeries.'' [http://genderqueeries.tumblr.com/titles http://genderqueeries.tumblr.com/titles]</ref>
* '''Sibber'''. Combination of '''Sib'''ling and broth/sist-'''er'''
* '''[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Twin Twin.]''' Gender neutral term for sister or brother of the same age.
 
====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. Alphabetical order.
 
* '''Aunbie.''' Queer, combination of auntie, uncle, and NB for non-binary.
* '''Auncle.''' "Queer, combination of aunt and uncle."<ref>"Gender neutral/queer titles." ''Gender Queeries.'' [http://genderqueeries.tumblr.com/titles http://genderqueeries.tumblr.com/titles]</ref>
* '''Aunkie.''' Combination of Auntie and Uncle
* '''Bibi.''' "Queer, based on the B in NB [nonbinary], similar to Titi/Zizi."<ref>"Gender neutral/queer titles." ''Gender Queeries.'' [http://genderqueeries.tumblr.com/titles http://genderqueeries.tumblr.com/titles]</ref>
* '''Cousin.''' "Neutral, as sometimes people say aunt/uncle for parents’ cousins, or much older cousins. Some prefer to use the word cousin as a general term for extended family."<ref>"Gender neutral/queer titles." ''Gender Queeries.'' [http://genderqueeries.tumblr.com/titles http://genderqueeries.tumblr.com/titles]</ref>
* '''Nini.''' "Queer, based on the N in NB, similar to Titi/Zizi."<ref>"Gender neutral/queer titles." ''Gender Queeries.'' [http://genderqueeries.tumblr.com/titles http://genderqueeries.tumblr.com/titles]</ref>
* '''Ommer.''' Non-standard genderqueer term for "aunt/uncle". In programming, Ommer is a node's parent's siblings, or more generally a child of an ancestor that is not itself an ancestor. If A is an ommer of B, B is a nibling (niece/nephew) of A. "Ommie" could be an affectionate derivative.
* '''Pibling.''' "Neutral, your parent’s sibling."<ref>"Gender neutral/queer titles." ''Gender Queeries.'' [http://genderqueeries.tumblr.com/titles http://genderqueeries.tumblr.com/titles]</ref>
* '''Sibren.''' Sibling + Parent.
* '''Titi.''' "Neutral, from the Spanish for Aunt (Tia) and Uncle (Tio). (however, it is often a diminutive of aunt.)"<ref>"Gender neutral/queer titles." ''Gender Queeries.'' [http://genderqueeries.tumblr.com/titles http://genderqueeries.tumblr.com/titles]</ref>
* '''Zizi.''' "Neutral, from the Italian for Aunt (Zia) and Uncle (Zio). (Note: zizi is also a French children’s ‘cute’ word for penis.)"<ref>"Gender neutral/queer titles." ''Gender Queeries.'' [http://genderqueeries.tumblr.com/titles http://genderqueeries.tumblr.com/titles]</ref>
* '''Untie/Unty.''' "Queer, combination of uncle and auntie/aunty."<ref>"Gender neutral/queer titles." ''Gender Queeries.'' http://genderqueeries.tumblr.com/titles</ref>
 
====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. Alphabetical order.
 
* '''Chibling.''' "Neutral, the children of you sibling."<ref>"Gender neutral/queer titles." ''Gender Queeries.'' [http://genderqueeries.tumblr.com/titles http://genderqueeries.tumblr.com/titles]</ref>
* '''Cousin.''' "Neutral, as sometimes people say niece/nephew for cousins’ children, much younger cousins or as a general term for extended family."<ref>"Gender neutral/queer titles." ''Gender Queeries.'' [http://genderqueeries.tumblr.com/titles http://genderqueeries.tumblr.com/titles]</ref>
* '''Nibling.''' Non-standard gender neutral term for "niece/nephew". [http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/nibling Coined by linguist Samuel E. Martin in 1951 from nephew/niece by analogy with sibling.]
* '''Nibblet.''' Term of affection for a young one. Sounds similar to "nibling". Spike called Dawn this in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buffy_the_Vampire_Slayer BtVS].
* '''Nessie.''' "Mixture of '''ne'''phew and nie'''c'''e."<ref>"Gender neutral/queer titles." ''Gender Queeries.'' [http://genderqueeries.tumblr.com/titles http://genderqueeries.tumblr.com/titles]</ref>
* '''Nieph.''' "Queer, mixture of niece and nephew."<ref>"Gender neutral/queer titles." ''Gender Queeries.'' [http://genderqueeries.tumblr.com/titles http://genderqueeries.tumblr.com/titles]</ref>
* '''Niephling.''' Non-standard gender neutral term for "niece/nephew".
* '''Nephling.''' Non-standard gender neutral term for "niece/nephew".
* '''Neph.''' "Short for 'nephew'. Casualness of the term makes it somewhat less gendered."
* '''Nephie.''' Casual,  '''Neph'''ew & N'''ie'''ce
* Niephew. From Nephew and Niece
* Nesyew. From Nephew and Niece
* '''Sibskid.''' "Neutral, short for sibling’s kid."<ref>"Gender neutral/queer titles." ''Gender Queeries.'' http://genderqueeries.tumblr.com/titles</ref>
 
====Grandparent====
 
Gender-neutral or genderqueer words for grandparent. Alphabetical order.
 
*'''[https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/baba Baba].''' "Neutral, based on mama and papa. Can call to mind the children's character [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Babar_the_Elephant Babar], or the monster [http://www.rollingstone.com/culture/why-babadook-is-the-perfect-symbol-for-gay-pride-w487697 Babadook] (Note, baba means dad in some languages and grandmother in others.)"<ref>"Gender neutral/queer titles." ''Gender Queeries.'' [http://genderqueeries.tumblr.com/titles http://genderqueeries.tumblr.com/titles]</ref>
* '''Bibi.''' "Queer, based on the B in NB, similar to nana and papa."<ref>"Gender neutral/queer titles." ''Gender Queeries.'' [http://genderqueeries.tumblr.com/titles http://genderqueeries.tumblr.com/titles]</ref>
* '''Granba.''' Neutral, combines the NB of non-binary with grandma and grandpa.
* '''Granby.''' Neutral, casual, combines the NB of non-binary with granny.
* '''Granpare.''' Pare can be a shortening of the word "parent". The title sounds similar to the french word for grandfather.
* '''Grandparent.''' "Neutral, formal."<ref>"Gender neutral/queer titles." ''Gender Queeries.'' [http://genderqueeries.tumblr.com/titles http://genderqueeries.tumblr.com/titles]</ref>
* '''Grandren.''' Neutral form based on ren/renny as a neutral term for parents.
* '''Grandwa.''' "Queer, based on grandma and grandpa."<ref>"Gender neutral/queer titles." ''Gender Queeries.'' [http://genderqueeries.tumblr.com/titles http://genderqueeries.tumblr.com/titles]</ref>
* '''Grandy.''' "Neutral, short for Grandparent, Grandma or Grandpa."<ref>"Gender neutral/queer titles." ''Gender Queeries.'' [http://genderqueeries.tumblr.com/titles http://genderqueeries.tumblr.com/titles]</ref>
* '''Nini.''' "Queer, based on the N in NB, similar to nana and papa."<ref>"Gender neutral/queer titles." ''Gender Queeries.'' [http://genderqueeries.tumblr.com/titles http://genderqueeries.tumblr.com/titles]</ref>
 
 
=====Date=====
 
Gender-neutral and genderqueer words for a non-committed relationship, such as boyfriend, girlfriend, or date. Alphabetical order.
 
* '''Beau.''' Originally meant boyfriend, suitor or an admirer. A fashionable young dandy. Literal meaning is handsome/good looking. Could now be applied to other genders, particularly with the popularity of "boo".
* '''Cuddle Buddy.''' "Neutral, cheesy."<ref>"Gender neutral/queer titles." ''Gender Queeries.'' [http://genderqueeries.tumblr.com/titles http://genderqueeries.tumblr.com/titles]</ref>
* '''Date.''' "Neutral, the person you are dating."<ref>"Gender neutral/queer titles." ''Gender Queeries.'' [http://genderqueeries.tumblr.com/titles http://genderqueeries.tumblr.com/titles]</ref>
* '''Datemate.''' "Neutral, a rhyming version of datefriend, the person you are dating."<ref>"Gender neutral/queer titles."
''Gender Queeries.'' [http://genderqueeries.tumblr.com/titles http://genderqueeries.tumblr.com/titles]</ref>
* '''Enbyfriend.''' From NB, the initials of Non-binary.
* '''Valentine.''' An admirer, suitor or date around Valentine's day.
 
 
====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).
 
* '''Beau.''' Originally meant boyfriend, suitor or an admirer. A fashionable young dandy. Literal meaning is handsome/good looking. Could now be applied to other genders, particularly with the popularity of "boo".
* '''Birlfriend.''' "Queer, mix of boyfriend and girlfriend."<ref>"Gender neutral/queer titles." ''Gender Queeries.'' [http://genderqueeries.tumblr.com/titles http://genderqueeries.tumblr.com/titles]</ref> [[Birl]] is also a particular gender identity.
* '''Boo.''' From "beau". Originated as African American slang, but now used more widely.
* '''Boifriend.''' "Queer, [[boi]] is a particular gender identity."<ref>"Gender neutral/queer titles." ''Gender Queeries.'' [http://genderqueeries.tumblr.com/titles http://genderqueeries.tumblr.com/titles]</ref>
* '''Bothfriend.''' "Queer, for [[bigender]] or [[androgynous]] people."<ref>"Gender neutral/queer titles." ''Gender Queeries.'' [http://genderqueeries.tumblr.com/titles http://genderqueeries.tumblr.com/titles]</ref>
* '''Boygirlfriend.''' "Queer, for bigender or androgynous people."<ref>"Gender neutral/queer titles." ''Gender Queeries.'' [http://genderqueeries.tumblr.com/titles http://genderqueeries.tumblr.com/titles]</ref>
* '''Companion.''' "Neutral, reference to Doctor Who’s companions, or Firefly’s Companions."<ref>"Gender neutral/queer titles." ''Gender Queeries.'' [http://genderqueeries.tumblr.com/titles http://genderqueeries.tumblr.com/titles]</ref>
* '''Datefriend.''' "Neutral, the person you are dating, but fitting the boyfriend/girlfriend pattern."<ref>"Gender neutral/queer titles." ''Gender Queeries.'' [http://genderqueeries.tumblr.com/titles http://genderqueeries.tumblr.com/titles]</ref>
* '''Datemate.''' "Neutral, a rhyming version of datefriend, the person you are dating."<ref>"Gender neutral/queer titles."
''Gender Queeries.'' [http://genderqueeries.tumblr.com/titles http://genderqueeries.tumblr.com/titles]</ref>
* '''Enbyfriend.''' "Queer, based on boyfriend and girfriend. (note: enby comes from NB, non-binary)."<ref>"Gender neutral/queer titles." ''Gender Queeries.'' [http://genderqueeries.tumblr.com/titles http://genderqueeries.tumblr.com/titles]</ref>
* '''Feyfriend.''' Queer, due to the implications of "fey."<ref>"Gender neutral/queer titles." ''Gender Queeries.'' [http://genderqueeries.tumblr.com/titles http://genderqueeries.tumblr.com/titles]</ref>
* '''Genderfriend.''' "Queer, based on boyfriend and girlfriend."<ref>"Gender neutral/queer titles." ''Gender Queeries.'' [http://genderqueeries.tumblr.com/titles http://genderqueeries.tumblr.com/titles]</ref>
* '''Girlboyfriend.''' "Queer, for bigender or androgynous people."<ref>"Gender neutral/queer titles." ''Gender Queeries.'' [http://genderqueeries.tumblr.com/titles http://genderqueeries.tumblr.com/titles]</ref>
* '''Goyfriend.''' A mashup of girl/boy-friend. Used by Ali Stroker in reference to her Glee Project costar and partner Dani Shay. (Goy is also a Jewish term for a person who is not Jewish, so this term could be confusing or misleading.)
* '''Honey.''' An endearment used for one's partner.
* '''Imzadi.''' "Neutral, from Star Trek, a Betazed word similar to beloved."<ref>"Gender neutral/queer titles." ''Gender Queeries.'' [http://genderqueeries.tumblr.com/titles http://genderqueeries.tumblr.com/titles]</ref>
* '''Love.''' Refers to someone you love/who loves you. Calling someone "love" is usually casual and is often applied to women. Calling someone or referring to someone as "my love" is usually romantic and is applied to either gender.
* '''Loveperson.''' "Neutral, a person that you love."<ref>"Gender neutral/queer titles." ''Gender Queeries.'' [http://genderqueeries.tumblr.com/titles http://genderqueeries.tumblr.com/titles]</ref>
* '''Lover.''' "Neutral, often implies sexual relationship, but simply refers to someone you love/who loves you."<ref>"Gender neutral/queer titles." ''Gender Queeries.'' [http://genderqueeries.tumblr.com/titles http://genderqueeries.tumblr.com/titles]</ref>
* '''[name]friend.''' "Queer, based on girlfriend and boyfriend."<ref>"Gender neutral/queer titles." ''Gender Queeries.'' [http://genderqueeries.tumblr.com/titles http://genderqueeries.tumblr.com/titles]</ref>
* '''Norefriend.'''
* '''Paramour.''' "Neutral, someone you are having a sexual relationship with."<ref>"Gender neutral/queer titles." ''Gender Queeries.'' [http://genderqueeries.tumblr.com/titles http://genderqueeries.tumblr.com/titles]</ref>
* '''Personfriend.''' "Neutral, leaning towards queer, based on boyfriend and girlfriend."<ref>"Gender neutral/queer titles." ''Gender Queeries.'' [http://genderqueeries.tumblr.com/titles http://genderqueeries.tumblr.com/titles]</ref>
* '''Partner.''' Neutral, often queer. There can be ambiguity between "partner" referring to a business or romantic partner.
* '''Special Friend.''' Casual, implying a different/more intense relationship than a normal friendship.
* '''Sweetie.''' "Neutral, slightly cheesy."<ref>"Gender neutral/queer titles." ''Gender Queeries.'' http://genderqueeries.tumblr.com/titles</ref>
* '''Sweetheart.''' "Neutral, cheesy or old-fashioned."<ref>"Gender neutral/queer titles." ''Gender Queeries.'' [http://genderqueeries.tumblr.com/titles http://genderqueeries.tumblr.com/titles]</ref>
* '''Theyfriend.''' A mashup of the common gender neutral pronoun "they" and the -friend suffix in boyfriend and girlfriend.
 
=====Significant other=====
 
Gender-neutral and genderqueer words for a girlfriend, boyfriend, or partner in a committed relationship. Alphabetical order.
 
* '''Beau.''' Originally meant boyfriend, suitor or an admirer. A fashionable young dandy. Literal meaning is handsome/good looking. Could now be applied to other genders, particularly with the popularity of "boo".
* '''Beloved.''' Neutral, one who one loves.
* '''Better Half.''' "Neutral, informal, and implies monogamy."
* '''Boifriend.''' "Queer, [[boi]] is a particular gender identity."<ref>"Gender neutral/queer titles." ''Gender Queeries.'' [http://genderqueeries.tumblr.com/titles http://genderqueeries.tumblr.com/titles]</ref>
* '''Boo.''' From "beau". Originated as African American slang, but now used more widely.
* '''Companion.''' "Neutral, reference to Doctor Who’s companions, or Firefly’s Companions."<ref>"Gender neutral/queer titles." ''Gender Queeries.'' [http://genderqueeries.tumblr.com/titles http://genderqueeries.tumblr.com/titles]</ref>
* '''Enbyfriend.''' "Queer, based on boyfriend and girfriend. (note: enby comes from NB, non-binary)."<ref>"Gender neutral/queer titles." ''Gender Queeries.'' [http://genderqueeries.tumblr.com/titles http://genderqueeries.tumblr.com/titles]</ref>
* '''Goyfriend.''' A mashup of girl/boy-friend. Used by Ali Stroker in reference to her Glee Project costar and partner Dani Shay. (Goy is also a Jewish term for a person who is not Jewish, so this term could be confusing or misleading.)
* '''Gulfriend.'''Queer, from boy/girl-friend.
* '''Honey.''' An endearment used for one's partner.
* '''Imzadi.''' "Neutral, from Star Trek, a Betazed word similar to beloved."<ref>"Gender neutral/queer titles." ''Gender Queeries.'' [http://genderqueeries.tumblr.com/titles http://genderqueeries.tumblr.com/titles]</ref>
* '''[name]friend.''' "Queer, based on girlfriend and boyfriend."<ref>"Gender neutral/queer titles." ''Gender Queeries.'' [http://genderqueeries.tumblr.com/titles http://genderqueeries.tumblr.com/titles]</ref>
* '''Love.''' Refers to someone you love/who loves you. Calling someone "love" is usually casual and is often applied to women. Calling someone or referring to someone as "my love" is usually romantic and is applied to either gender.
* '''Other Half.''' "Neutral, informal, and implies monogamy."<ref>"Gender neutral/queer titles." ''Gender Queeries.'' [http://genderqueeries.tumblr.com/titles http://genderqueeries.tumblr.com/titles]</ref>
* '''Paramour.''' "Neutral, someone you are having a sexual relationship with."<ref>"Gender neutral/queer titles." ''Gender Queeries.'' [http://genderqueeries.tumblr.com/titles http://genderqueeries.tumblr.com/titles]</ref>
* '''Partner.''' Neutral, but often queer.
* '''Personfriend.''' "Neutral, leaning towards queer, based on boyfriend and girlfriend."<ref>"Gender neutral/queer titles." ''Gender Queeries.'' [http://genderqueeries.tumblr.com/titles http://genderqueeries.tumblr.com/titles]</ref>
* '''Significant Other (S.O.).''' "Neutral, formal."<ref>"Gender neutral/queer titles." ''Gender Queeries.'' [http://genderqueeries.tumblr.com/titles http://genderqueeries.tumblr.com/titles]</ref> Implies monogamy.
* '''Soul Mate.''' "Neutral, slightly cheesy, implies belief in soul mates."<ref>"Gender neutral/queer titles." ''Gender Queeries.'' [http://genderqueeries.tumblr.com/titles http://genderqueeries.tumblr.com/titles]</ref> Implies monogamy.
* '''Steady.''' "Neutral, as in 'going steady' or 'steady girlfriend/boyfriend'."<ref>"Gender neutral/queer titles." ''Gender Queeries.'' [http://genderqueeries.tumblr.com/titles http://genderqueeries.tumblr.com/titles]</ref> Implies monogamy.
* '''Sweetie.''' "Neutral, slightly cheesy."<ref>"Gender neutral/queer titles." ''Gender Queeries.'' [http://genderqueeries.tumblr.com/titles http://genderqueeries.tumblr.com/titles]</ref>
* '''Sweetheart.''' "Neutral, cheesy or old-fashioned."<ref>"Gender neutral/queer titles." ''Gender Queeries.'' [http://genderqueeries.tumblr.com/titles http://genderqueeries.tumblr.com/titles]</ref>
* '''Theyfriend.''' A mashup of the common gender neutral pronoun "they" and the -friend suffix in boyfriend and girlfriend.
 
=====Fiancée/Fiancé=====
 
Words for engaged partners
 
* '''Beau.''' Originally meant boyfriend, suitor or an admirer. A fashionable young dandy. Literal meaning is handsome/good looking. Could now be applied to other genders, particularly with the popularity of "boo".
* '''Betrothed.''' "Neutral, formal."<ref>"Gender neutral/queer titles." ''Gender Queeries.'' [http://genderqueeries.tumblr.com/titles http://genderqueeries.tumblr.com/titles]</ref> Usually means an arranged marriage.
* '''Better Half.''' "Neutral, informal, and implies monogamy."
* '''Companion.''' "Neutral, reference to Doctor Who’s companions, or Firefly’s Companions."<ref>"Gender neutral/queer titles." ''Gender Queeries.'' [http://genderqueeries.tumblr.com/titles http://genderqueeries.tumblr.com/titles]</ref>
* '''Honey.''' An endearment used for one's partner.
* '''Imzadi.''' "Neutral, from Star Trek, a Betazed word similar to beloved."<ref>"Gender neutral/queer titles." ''Gender Queeries.'' [http://genderqueeries.tumblr.com/titles http://genderqueeries.tumblr.com/titles]</ref>
* '''Intended.''' "Neutral, formal."
* '''Love.''' Refers to someone you love/who loves you. Calling someone "love" is usually casual and is often applied to women. Calling someone or referring to someone as "my love" is usually romantic and is applied to either gender.
* '''Other Half.''' "Neutral, informal, and implies monogamy."<ref>"Gender neutral/queer titles." ''Gender Queeries.'' [http://genderqueeries.tumblr.com/titles http://genderqueeries.tumblr.com/titles]</ref>
* '''Partner.''' Neutral, sometimes queer. There can be ambiguity between "partner" referring to a business or romantic partner.
* '''Significant Other (S.O.).''' "Neutral, formal."
 
=====Spouse=====
 
Words for spouse & significant other.
* '''Ball and Chain.''' Casual, humorous, slightly pejorative.
* '''Better Half.''' "Neutral, informal, and implies monogamy."
* '''Companion.''' "Neutral, reference to Doctor Who’s companions, or Firefly’s Companions."<ref>"Gender neutral/queer titles." ''Gender Queeries.'' [http://genderqueeries.tumblr.com/titles http://genderqueeries.tumblr.com/titles]</ref>
* '''Honey.''' An endearment used for one's partner.
* '''Imzadi.''' "Neutral, from Star Trek, a Betazed word similar to beloved."<ref>"Gender neutral/queer titles." ''Gender Queeries.'' [http://genderqueeries.tumblr.com/titles http://genderqueeries.tumblr.com/titles]</ref>
* '''Love.''' Refers to someone you love/who loves you. Calling someone "love" is usually casual and is often applied to women. Calling someone or referring to someone as "my love" is usually romantic and is applied to either gender.
* '''Newlywed.''' Neutral, alternative to bride/groom.
* '''Partner.''' Neutral, sometimes queer. There can be ambiguity between "partner" referring to a business or romantic partner.
* '''Other Half.''' "Neutral, informal, and implies monogamy."<ref>"Gender neutral/queer titles." ''Gender Queeries.'' [http://genderqueeries.tumblr.com/titles http://genderqueeries.tumblr.com/titles]</ref>
* '''Significant Other (S.O.).''' "Neutral, formal."
* '''Spouse.''' "Standard, neutral, formal."
 
====Other family relationships====
 
Gender-neutral and genderqueer words for other kinds of family relationships.
 
* '''Godparent.''' Standard gender neutral term for godfather or godmother.
* '''Grandchild.''' Standard gender neutral term for grandson or granddaughter.
* '''Grandkid.''' Gender neutral term for grandson or granddaughter.
* '''Grand.''' Gender neutral term for grandson or granddaughter.
===Professions===
 
* '''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.
* '''Cowhand.''' Standard gender neutral term for cowboy or cowgirl.
* '''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.
* '''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.
* '''Prime.''' Derived from Latin. Gender Neutral term for a prince or princess.
* '''Primarch.''' Gender Neutral term for a prince or princess.
*"Prinze" gender neutral term for prince/ princess
* '''Princette.''' Queer, based on the Prince/ess ending. Gender Neutral term for a prince or princess.
* '''Princexx/Princex/Prinx''' Other gender neutral terms for Prince/Princess/Royalty incorporating the letter x; a common indicator of gender neutral language
* '''Qwing.''' A mix of King and Queen (with an added 'w'). Uncommon, but easy to recognize.
* '''Royalty.''' Standard. Usually refers to a family but can be used as a Gender Neutral term for a prince/princess or a king/queen.
* '''Noble.''' A nobleman/noblewoman, lord/lady, prince/princess, duke/duchess, or many other noble ranks that lack specific gender neutral titles.
* '''Pilot.''' Standard gender neutral term for aviator or aviatrix.
* '''Police officer''' Standard gender neutral term for policeman or policewoman.
* '''Server.''' Standard gender neutral term for a person who provides items to customers, such as a "waiter/waitress" or "steward/stewardess".
 
===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]].
* '''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.
 
===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>[http://genderqueeries.tumblr.com/titles http://genderqueeries.tumblr.com/titles]</ref>
* '''Goddette.''' "Queer, based on the God/ess ending."<ref>[http://genderqueeries.tumblr.com/titles http://genderqueeries.tumblr.com/titles]</ref>
* '''Goddeq.''' "Queer, based on the God/ess ending."<ref>[http://genderqueeries.tumblr.com/titles http://genderqueeries.tumblr.com/titles]</ref>
* '''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===
 
* '''Fanenby/Fanby.''' Queer, using enby after fanboy or fangirl.<ref>[http://genderqueeries.tumblr.com/titles http://genderqueeries.tumblr.com/titles]</ref>
* '''Fankid.''' Neutral, after fanboy or fangirl.
* '''Wedding usher.''' Neutral, alternative to bridesmaid or groomsman.
* '''Wedding attendant.''' Neutral, alternative to bridesmaid or groomsman.
* '''Bridesmate/Groomsmate.''' Neutral, alternative to bridesmaid or groomsman.
* '''Friend of Honor/Made of Honor/Made of Awesome/Best Mate/ First Mate/Mate of Honor'''. Alternatives to Maid of Honor/Best Man


==French==
==French==