estrangeiroestrangeira

Estrangeiroestrangeira is a gender-inclusive noun used in Portuguese to refer to a foreign person regardless of gender. It is formed by joining the masculine form estrangeiro and the feminine form estrangeira, a compound often proposed in discussions about inclusive language.

Origin and usage context: The term arose in digital and activist discourse within Portuguese-speaking communities, particularly in Brazil, as part of efforts to reduce gender bias in labels and descriptions. It is not standardized and is not widely listed in major dictionaries, reflecting its experimental status in contemporary writing.

Formation and practice: The compound can appear as a closed form (estrangeiroestrangeira) or in variants with separation marks in some texts. It is typically used when the author aims to explicitly include all gender identities in a single label. In many contexts, writers prefer neutral or less problematic constructions, such as using "pessoa estrangeira" or rephrasing to avoid explicit gender marking.

Reception and critique: Opinions about the term are mixed. Proponents view it as a practical step toward gender-inclusive language, while critics argue that it is cumbersome, may hinder readability, and lacks established orthographic standards. Its use varies by community, editorial guidelines, and individual preference.

See also: estrangeiro, estrangeira, linguagem inclusiva, linguagem neutra.