HisHerIts

HisHerIts is a term used in linguistic and gender studies to describe a hypothetical triad of third-person pronouns intended to reference a single individual without assuming gender. The set draws from the familiar pronouns he, she, and it and is discussed mainly as a theoretical construct rather than a widely adopted system. The name itself signals the idea of combining masculine, feminine, and neuter forms into a single reference framework.

Usage of HisHerIts is primarily found in analytic writing, theoretical discussions, and online forums about inclusive language. Proponents use the concept to illustrate how pronoun systems could be designed to avoid gender assumptions, while critics argue that a mixed form such as HisHerIts is unwieldy and prone to confusion in ordinary prose. In practice, people who identify as nonbinary or who seek gender-neutral solutions often prefer other neopronouns or the singular they, rather than adopting a fixed HisHerIts form.

History and reception of the concept have emerged in the context of broader debates about gender-inclusive language, particularly during the 2010s and 2020s. It is not codified in major style guides or widely used in journalistic or literary prose, and most discussions treat it as an experimental or pedagogical example rather than a standard practice. Some scholars emphasize the importance of clarity and user preference, while others caution against introducing highly unconventional forms into everyday communication.

Related topics include pronouns, neopronouns, gender-neutral language, and linguistic pronoun theory.