guestpersons

Guestperson is a neologism used to describe an individual who participates in a social setting, event, or institution as a guest, with temporary status and limited rights. The term is not widely standardized and appears primarily in speculative fiction, theoretical discussions of hospitality, and some online discourse rather than in established sociological or legal vocabularies.

Etymology and scope. The word combines guest and person to emphasize the temporary and non-member nature of the role. It can apply to physical spaces such as homes, clubs, or conferences, as well as to digital environments where access is restricted to non-members.

Privileges and duties. A guestperson typically receives hospitality or access on generous terms but does not participate in governance, long-term decision-making, or property rights. Expected behaviors include respect for hosts’ rules and timely departure when appropriate.

In fiction and theory. In speculative fiction, guestpersons may inhabit worlds where social status is fluid or where borders between guest and host are porous. In critical discussions of hospitality, the concept helps explore inclusivity, consent, and power dynamics within temporary memberships.

Related concepts. See also guest, host, visitor, temporary resident, guest user, membership and access control.