compañerx

Compañerx is a gender-neutral Spanish term derived from "compañero" (male companion) and "compañera" (female companion). It is used to refer to a friend, comrade, or colleague, regardless of gender. The "-x" ending is a relatively recent linguistic innovation within Spanish to create gender-neutral nouns and adjectives.

The use of "compañerx" and other "-x" or "-e" endings in Spanish reflects a broader movement towards gender-inclusive language. These neologisms aim to move away from the grammatical gender inherent in many Spanish words, which often defaults to the masculine form when referring to mixed-gender groups or when gender is unknown.

While the adoption of "compañerx" is gaining traction in some social and academic circles, it is not yet universally recognized or used within the Spanish-speaking world. Some speakers may find it unfamiliar, while others embrace it as a way to promote inclusivity. Its usage is more common among younger generations and in communities that actively engage with discussions around gender and identity. The grammatical integration of such new terms into the Spanish language is an ongoing process.