herselfhimself

Herselfhimself is a coined term formed by combining the English reflexive pronouns herself and himself into a single word. It has appeared in experimental discussions about pronouns, gender representation, and self-reference, and occasionally in contemporary fiction or online discourse as a stylistic device. The coinage reflects ongoing interest in expanding pronoun options beyond traditional binary forms and in exploring how language encodes identity and reflexivity.

Form and variants: The stem can be written as one word, with alternatives such as a hyphen (herself-himself) or two words, depending on author preference. As a neologism, its grammatical behavior is not standardized. In speculative usage, it could function as a gender-inclusive reflexive pronoun or as a metaphorical expression of dual aspects of the self. If employed as a pronoun, its role would be determined by context and community convention, rather than by established grammar rules.

Usage and examples: In hypothetical sentences, it could replace conventional reflexive forms or serve as a pronoun for a speaker who wishes to signal a blend of identities. For example, in fiction or commentary, one might encounter a sentence such as, “Alex said that herselfhimself would attend the meeting.” Such usage is not documented in major style guides and remains exploratory, with interpretation varying by author or audience.

Reception and current status: The term remains rare and largely confined to experimental writing and discussions of inclusive language. Critics note potential confusion or increased cognitive load, while proponents view it as a provocative option for self-expression and for challenging binary pronoun systems. See also neopronouns, pronouns, gender-neutral language, reflexive pronouns.