Pronouns - meaning and definition
Alsopersonal pronounspreferred pronounspronoungender pronounswhat are your pronouns
Definition
The words used to refer to someone in the third person, such as she, he or they. Many people share theirs on profiles and email signatures.
At a glance
- Pronouns are words like she, he or they used instead of a name.
- Many people list theirs on profiles and email signatures.
- Combinations such as she/they mean either set is fine.
- Any pronouns or any/all means the person does not mind which are used.
- The phrase preferred pronouns is increasingly avoided.
In detail
Listing pronouns, for example she/her or he/they, helps others address people correctly without guessing. Combinations such as she/they mean the person is comfortable with either set. Any pronouns or any/all means the person does not mind which are used.
The older phrase preferred pronouns is increasingly avoided because it can suggest the pronouns are optional. Using someone's correct pronouns is a basic form of respect, and a quick correction without fuss is the usual response to a slip.
In a sentence
- Hi, I'm Priya and my pronouns are she/her.
- He added he/they to his profile so people know both are fine.
Where the word comes from
Pronoun comes from the Latin pronomen, meaning in place of a noun. Sharing pronouns in introductions and signatures became common in the 2010s.
Common questions
Why do people put pronouns in their bio?
It helps others address them correctly without guessing, and it signals that the person respects other people's pronouns too. Cisgender people often share theirs to make the practice normal.
What should I do if I use the wrong pronoun?
Correct yourself briefly and carry on, for example: she, sorry, they said. Long apologies can make the moment more awkward for the other person.
Why not say preferred pronouns?
Preferred can suggest that using the right pronouns is optional. Many people simply say pronouns or my pronouns are.