Gender-neutral pronoun 'they' voted word of the decade

6 January 2020, 15:46

Singer Sam Smith came out as non-binary in September
Singer Sam Smith came out as non-binary in September. Picture: PA

The singular pronoun "they" has been voted word of the decade by linguists in the USA, who said it "embodied 2010 to 2020."

The term is used as a gender-neutral pronoun by many non-binary people.

The American Dialect Society said the word is a 'vital indicator of social trends'.

Voters also selected '(my) pronouns' - such as she/her, he/him or they/them as their word of the year in 2015 and 2019.

Chair of the American Dialect Society's new words committee, Ben Zimmer, said: "When a basic part of speech like the pronoun becomes a vital indicator of social trends, linguists pay attention. 

"The selection of '(my) pronouns' as Word of the Year speaks to how the personal expression of gender identity has become an increasing part of our shared discourse.

"That trend is also reflected in singular 'they' being chosen as word of the decade, with a growing recognition of the use of they for those whose identities don't conform to the binary of he and she."

The word of the decade was chosen by a group of linguists, etymologists, historians, writers and students at an annual meeting in Louisiana.

Past word of the year winners include 2017's "fake news" 2012's "hashtag" and 2009's "tweet". 

Sam Smith is referred to as "they"
Sam Smith is referred to as "they". Picture: PA

It comes after high profile figures, such as Sam Smith, helped bring the use of 'they' into the spotlight.

The singer wrote on their Instagram that they did not feel "male or female" but flows somewhere in between, and would therefore like their fans to refer to them as "they/them".

In a series of tweets, they wrote: "Today is a good day so here goes. I've decided I am changing my pronouns to THEY/THEM after a lifetime of being at war with my gender I've decided to embrace myself for who I am, inside and out...

"I'm so excited and privileged to be surrounded by people that support me in this decision but I've been very nervous about announcing this because I care too much about what people think but f*** it!

"I understand there will be many mistakes and mis gendering but all I ask is you please please try. I hope you can see me like I see myself now. Thank you."

More Latest News

See more More Latest News

Tributes have been paid to Love Actually and EastEnders star Jo Bacon.

Tributes pour in for Eastenders and Love Actually star following death aged 72

The TV chef, 59, broke his silence on Tuesday night after the show's producers Banijay UK confirmed his contract will not be renewed.

John Torode to 'take legal action' against BBC after MasterChef axing amid racism claim in Gregg Wallace report

Exclusive
All four suspended MPs voted against the bill.

Suspended Labour MP 'can't promise not to rebel again' after Keir Starmer removes whip from four backbenchers

The Obamas finally set the record straight on their marriage.

'We've had some really hard times': Barack and Michelle Obama finally address divorce rumours in surprising interview

Man 38, lay dead in council toilet for six days before being found

Body of 'gentle giant', 38, lay undiscovered in council toilet for six days before he was found

Novak Djokovic (SRB) [6] during his Gentlemen's Singles Semi-Final match against Jannik Sinner (ITA)

Djokovic states aim to be oldest ever Wimbledon winner

London Southend Airport has partially reopened three days after a fatal plane crash.

London Southend Airport to partially reopen three days after deadly plane crash

Amanda Riley, 49, and Linda Philips, 72, both died on December 26 2023, following a collision in Shard End

Driver who killed mother and daughter on Boxing Day was ‘racing’ at up to 84mph in 30mph zone

Daniel Ames

'Much-loved family man' killed by reversing HGV after he offered to stay behind at work

Captain Sir Tom Moore's daughter Hannah Ingram-Moore

Captain Tom's daughter launches TikTok rebrand as ‘resilience coach’ one year after charity controversy

As the news reporter is presenting - a huge explosion is captured erupting in the background.

Shocking moment Israeli airstrike blasts Syria military HQ on live TV as news reporter flees in terror

Luke Littler posted about failing his driving theory test on his Instagram story.

Luke Littler fails driving theory test... for the fourth time 'and counting'

Smoke billows following Israeli strikes near the Syrian army and defence ministry headquarters in Damascus.

Israel warns 'painful blows will come' as it ramps up strikes on Syria and sends more troops to the border

Footballer Mckenzie Dicicco killed another non-League player in a "cowardly" one-punch attack after a "nonsensical argument"

Footballer who killed another player in ‘cowardly’ one-punch attack jailed

Crystal Palace have been dumped out of the Europa League.

Crystal Palace confirm plans to appeal UEFA decision after being dumped out of Europa League

Different milks on sale in a supermarket UK

Plant-based milk not 'nutritionally equivalent' to cows' milk, experts say