eleselasVocês

Eleselasvocês is a neologism found in Portuguese-language discourse that blends the pronouns eles, elas and vocês. The term arises in sociolinguistic and online conversations about how to refer to groups that include people of different genders or who are addressed collectively.

The word functions as a portmanteau intended to represent a group without committing to a gendered form. It is not part of the standard grammar and is typically described as a non-normative or experimental form used in informal contexts. Variants exist in spelling and punctuation, including concatenated forms and spaced or hyphenated versions, reflecting ongoing debates about pronunciation and acceptability in different communities.

Usage of eleselasvocês is mainly observed in digital media, blogs, and discussions about inclusive language. It can be employed to signal inclusivity when addressing or describing a mixed-gender or gender-unspecified audience. Examples circulated in online contexts are often experimental or illustrative rather than prescriptive: for instance, phrases such as “Eleselasvocês chegaram cedo” or “Convidem a turma: eles elas vocês podem participar.” The precise grammatical integration of such forms remains variable and stylistically dependent.

Reception of the term is mixed. Proponents view it as a creative shortcut to inclusive reference and as a tool for sparking discussion about gender in language. Critics argue that it is clunky, lacks standardization, may hinder clarity, and does not align with established rules of Portuguese grammar. The term illustrates broader tensions in contemporary language reform and gender-inclusive expression.

See also: pronome de gênero, linguagem inclusiva, português brasileiro, linguagem não sexista.