They or Them pronouns

Blank. · 01-13-2018, 03:10 PM

I just watched this thing where this individual asks to be referred to as they or them pronouns. Which is something I don't understand. Isn't they or them suppose to refer to multiple people?

I understand it's a genderless word, but it seems counter intuitive to the language to use a words that, from what I've always been told, refers to multiple people.

Wouldn't "it" work better as a pronoun?

WWWP · 01-13-2018, 03:48 PM

If you were on the phone with a stranger and didn't know their gender would you refer to them as it?

"It said the pizza will be ready in 20mins."

We use they and them in the singular form commonly in English, it really takes minimal effort to alter your vocabulary. If you don't want to use a pronoun use their name.

Blank. · 01-13-2018, 03:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wolverinewolfweiselpigeon

If you were on the phone with a stranger and didn't know their gender would you refer to them as it?

"It said the pizza will be ready in 20mins."

We use they and them in the singular form commonly in English, it really takes minimal effort to alter your vocabulary. If you don't want to use a pronoun use their name.

I've never heard anyone use they or them singularly til more recently. Examples?

Chiomara · 01-13-2018, 04:03 PM

You probably have and just don't remember. People use they/them all the time; it is not a recent thing. (for instance, when two people are expecting a guest, the person who doesn't know said guest might say "When are they getting here?" I hear people use it in that way all the time, always have)

Oriphiel · 01-13-2018, 04:04 PM

Here's an example, Blank:

You're with your buddy, when you see a shadow outside. Stepping closer to the window, you begin to make out the silhouette of a person. Though the face and even the gender of the figure are yet a mystery to you, you notice a familiar shape extending out of their grasp.

Friend: What's wrong?

You: I think there's someone standing out there...

You play with the slats to get a better look, but the shadow disappears.

Friend: Are you serious? Who is it?

After peering into the darkness for a moment, searching for the figure, you sigh and give up.

You: I don't know. I think they're gone.

WWWP · 01-13-2018, 04:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Blank.

I've never heard anyone use they or them singularly til more recently. Examples?

"They said the pizza will be ready in 20mins."

"I was talking to Karen and they can't make the event. I hope they are feeling ok."

"I follow Rex on Instagram and they post a lot of dog photos."

"Everyone did their best on the exam."

Blank. · 01-13-2018, 04:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chiomara

You probably have and just don't remember. People use they/them all the time; it is not a recent thing. (for instance, when two people are expecting a guest, the person who doesn't know said guest might say "When are they getting here?" I hear people use it in that way all the time, always have)

I've never heard that. Usually in those scenarios they refer to the person by name, or as an individual.

WWWP · 01-13-2018, 04:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Blank.

I've never heard that. Usually in those scenarios they refer to the person by name, or as an individual.

"I don't remember Casey, have I met them before?"

Blank. · 01-13-2018, 04:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wolverinewolfweiselpigeon

"I don't remember Casey, have I met them before?"

I hate to come off as this guy, but I never hear this.

Quote:

"I don't remember Casey, have I met that him before?"

That is more in line with what I hear people say.

WWWP · 01-13-2018, 04:12 PM

Whether you've heard it before or not doesn't negate the fact that it is common.

01-13-2018, 03:10 PM	#1 (permalink)
Blank. Jacob Sartorius Join Date: May 2016 Location: Dank memes Posts: 4,033	They or Them pronouns I just watched this thing where this individual asks to be referred to as they or them pronouns. Which is something I don't understand. Isn't they or them suppose to refer to multiple people? I understand it's a genderless word, but it seems counter intuitive to the language to use a words that, from what I've always been told, refers to multiple people. Wouldn't "it" work better as a pronoun?

01-13-2018, 04:03 PM	#4 (permalink)
Chiomara mayor of spookytown Join Date: Jan 2017 Posts: 812	You probably have and just don't remember. People use they/them all the time; it is not a recent thing. (for instance, when two people are expecting a guest, the person who doesn't know said guest might say "When are they getting here?" I hear people use it in that way all the time, always have) __________________ Χρυσοσανδαλαιμοποτιχθονία Tumblr - 8tracks - Spotify

01-13-2018, 04:04 PM	#5 (permalink)
Oriphiel Ask me how! Join Date: Oct 2014 Location: The States Posts: 5,354	Here's an example, Blank: You're with your buddy, when you see a shadow outside. Stepping closer to the window, you begin to make out the silhouette of a person. Though the face and even the gender of the figure are yet a mystery to you, you notice a familiar shape extending out of their grasp. Friend: What's wrong? You: I think there's someone standing out there... You play with the slats to get a better look, but the shadow disappears. Friend: Are you serious? Who is it? After peering into the darkness for a moment, searching for the figure, you sigh and give up. You: I don't know. I think they're gone. __________________ ---------------------- \|---Mic's Albums---\| ---------------------- ----------------------------- \|---Deafbox Industries---\| -----------------------------