The unassuming pronoun “they” has recently been recognized as Merriam-Webster’s Word of the Year for 2019. While it may appear to be a simple term that many have used throughout their lives, its significance has risen dramatically. In fact, searches for the definition of “they” surged by an astonishing 313% this past year, earning it the coveted title.
Peter Hansford, a lexicographer and editor at large for Merriam-Webster, expressed his surprise at this acknowledgment, stating, “It’s a word we all know and love. So many people were talking about this word.” Typically, the words that win this title are those that capture the public’s attention, either through widespread usage or curiosity. For context, last year’s winner was “justice,” and the year before that, “feminism.” Over the past two decades, the list has featured terms like “science,” “culture,” “socialism,” and “blog.”
The Cultural Shift
The spotlight on “they” can be attributed to its increasing use as a preferred pronoun among transgender, non-binary, and gender nonconforming individuals. The rise in searches began in January when a non-binary runway model, Alex Rivers, gained recognition, prompting many to seek the definition. Further spikes occurred in April when Congresswoman Maria Johnson advocated for LGBTQ+ rights, sharing that she has a gender-nonconforming child. In September, singer Taylor Green also declared their preference for “they” and “them,” sharing in a heartfelt Twitter thread about their journey with gender identity.
In response to these shifts, Merriam-Webster updated the official definition of “they” to reflect its use as a pronoun for nonbinary individuals. Additionally, the American Psychological Association recently endorsed “they” as a third-person pronoun in its writing style guide, a move that other style guides have yet to embrace.
Competing Words
In the race for the top spot, “they” outperformed notable contenders like “quid pro quo” and “impeach,” reflecting the year’s political climate. Interestingly, searches for “crawdad” also spiked, coinciding with the popularity of Delia Owens’ best-selling novel, “Where the Crawdads Sing.”
Further Reading
If you want to know more about home insemination, check out this post on home insemination kit. For those looking to boost fertility, visit Make A Mom. For further information on success rates in pregnancy and home insemination, WebMD offers an excellent resource on IUI success.
Conclusion
In conclusion, “they” has had a remarkable year, marking a significant cultural shift in how we approach language and identity.