Singular "they".

Discussion in 'Linguistics' started by mathman, Jul 2, 2022.

  1. mathman Valued Senior Member

    Messages:
    2,002
    When referring to one person usually "he" or "she" is used. To avoid gender definition, "they" is being used. I'm used to "they" as a plural. Is there a gender neutral word possible?
     
  2. Google AdSense Guest Advertisement



    to hide all adverts.
  3. Seattle Valued Senior Member

    Messages:
    8,849
    Of course. "They" is possible or any other word you might chose to define that way. How is this even a real question on your part?
     
  4. Google AdSense Guest Advertisement



    to hide all adverts.
  5. Michael 345 New year. PRESENT is 72 years oldl Valued Senior Member

    Messages:
    13,077
    Why?

    Encouraging this type of stupidity will only breed more

    Not happy with boy / girl - male / female - 0k I now designate you it

    Please Register or Log in to view the hidden image!

     
    Yazata likes this.
  6. Google AdSense Guest Advertisement



    to hide all adverts.
  7. DaveC426913 Valued Senior Member

    Messages:
    18,935
    Sorry. Did you just say gender neutral pronouns are "stupidity"?
    That's pretty close to transphobia.
     
  8. Michael 345 New year. PRESENT is 72 years oldl Valued Senior Member

    Messages:
    13,077
    Why?

    EDIT

    Sorry I should have filled out my answer a bit more
    I gave the choice he / she / it - if you (person not happy with those choices fine stay mad (or whatever) but I have not the mental capacity I truly in reality I'm mildly dyslexic - can't remember names) so tying and associating your preferred form of address to your name goes pear shape very quick

    It - for you (and like yous) - is best I can manage

    Please Register or Log in to view the hidden image!

     
    Last edited: Jul 3, 2022
  9. DaveC426913 Valued Senior Member

    Messages:
    18,935
    I think you're missing the point. It's not up to us to choose how others wish to be referred. The non-binary community is letting us know what they as a community are preferring.

    To reject that would be no better than saying "When referring to this member, "mathman", is usually used. But I'm used to "dough-boy", so let's all go with that, yeah?"

    So what do you think, dough-boy?
     
  10. DaveC426913 Valued Senior Member

    Messages:
    18,935
    You mean why is it transphobic?

    Because you just called the entire non-binary community "stupid".
     
  11. Michael 345 New year. PRESENT is 72 years oldl Valued Senior Member

    Messages:
    13,077
    Nooooooo - I am calling the people who pander to this stupidity stupid

    Like so much of out nursing notes when we are writing them we have to be pricise. If patients start referring to themselves as something outside of the medical profession definitions it will confuse the medical community and lead to bad outcomes

    Please Register or Log in to view the hidden image!

     
  12. sculptor Valued Senior Member

    Messages:
    8,466
    pandering
    perhaps those who prefer "they" should find a non-binary singular pronoun
    (any damned thing)
    and
    keep the plural plural
    the hospital i use now asks "gender assigned at birth?"
     
    Michael 345 likes this.
  13. Michael 345 New year. PRESENT is 72 years oldl Valued Senior Member

    Messages:
    13,077
    the hospital i use now asks "gender assigned at birth

    Good thing and smart move

    Please Register or Log in to view the hidden image!

     
  14. Seattle Valued Senior Member

    Messages:
    8,849
    I get the concept of someone thinking of themselves as a non-binary gender but I do think the whole "they" thing is needlessly confusing. Come up with "shim" or something new. It's a bit self-indulgent for everyone to come up with their own personal pronoun, IMO. Especially when it's rarely even used in front of that person.

    We are at the gym waiting for Dave, someone sees David walking in the door and says "they" is here instead of he's here or Dave is here. Dave doesn't even hear David being referring to as "they". Someone else comes up with another personal pronoun...and on it goes. How about Dave considers "himself "to be gender neutral and why do we need to know more than that (if we even need to know that)?
     
  15. Michael 345 New year. PRESENT is 72 years oldl Valued Senior Member

    Messages:
    13,077
    Last time I was reading about preferences the number available was in the low SEVENTIES

    On survey questionnaires you know the major groups are counted with minor groups being lumped together as OTHER

    Reality strikes again

    Please Register or Log in to view the hidden image!

     
  16. DaveC426913 Valued Senior Member

    Messages:
    18,935
    And you've just doubled down on your aggression toward non-binary community.

    Reported.
     
  17. Michael 345 New year. PRESENT is 72 years oldl Valued Senior Member

    Messages:
    13,077
    Again Nooooo

    No one in the non binary community is being subjected to aggression (feelings of anger or antipathy resulting in hostile or violent behaviour; readiness to attack or confront.)

    Not even close

    The people I am referring to are not even in the non binary community. Read again and take note of the word I have made bold
    Those OUTSIDE of the non binary community who encourage this stupidity are stupid. Setting Up the non binary community to be DIFFERENT is the worst way to make the non binary community INCLUDED within the general population

    \_(ツ)_/¯ How is setting a group up (any group) to be different meant to encourage the members to be included in mainstream

    Please Register or Log in to view the hidden image!

     
  18. DaveC426913 Valued Senior Member

    Messages:
    18,935
    It is the non-binary community that is choosing their own pronouns.
    They're choosing non-binary pronouns because they're non-binary.
    Our only responsibility is to respect their wishes.

    Your attitude is tantamount to oppression - an outsider, deciding for a community - what you say is "best" for the community, but is really just best for you.

    What you are talking about is throwing everyone in the melting pot. "We're all mainstream!"
    The answer is not to throw everyone in the melting pot - that's the American way. "You're in America! Speak English!" -

    - the answer is - and I speak as a Canadian - to embrace and celebrate diversity.
     
    Last edited: Jul 3, 2022
  19. Yazata Valued Senior Member

    Messages:
    5,902
    My preferred mode of address is "Your Majesty" (when I'm being addressed) and "His Majesty" (when I'm being referred to).

    Somehow I doubt that other people will use it.
     
    Last edited: Jul 3, 2022
    C C likes this.
  20. mathman Valued Senior Member

    Messages:
    2,002
    In some contexts reference to others would be they. When others and an individual are both under discussion, it can be confusing.
     
  21. mathman Valued Senior Member

    Messages:
    2,002
    In some contexts reference to others would be they. When others and an individual are both under discussion, it can be confusing.

    Additional question: Addressing an adult, Mr. or Ms. is used - no gender neutral equivalent?
     
  22. DaveC426913 Valued Senior Member

    Messages:
    18,935
    It sure can. But
    1. It's an ever-evolving, ever-improving world. We adapt in a thousand ways every day.
    2. Your desire to not be confused does not compel others to kow-tow.
     
  23. DaveC426913 Valued Senior Member

    Messages:
    18,935
    That's a good counter-example.

    "I wish to be called X because it suits me" is distinct from "We, as a community have been oppressed since time-immemorial. To be free from hate and oppression, we wish to be recognized on our own terms."
     

Share This Page