himselfherself

Himselfherself is a neologism that has appeared in online and avant-garde discourse as a blended gender-inclusive pronoun. It combines the English reflexive forms himself and herself to signal a nonbinary or gender-nonconforming identity. Unlike standard pronouns, it is not recognized by major style guides or dictionaries and is used by a minority of individuals in personal writing, performance, or digital communities.

Origins and use: The term emerges in late 20th or early 21st century online discussions about pronoun options for nonbinary identities. It is not widely standardized; users may attach it to a personal pronoun set or use it as a self-referential form in reflexive constructions. In many contexts, speakers also employ other pronouns (they/them, ze/hir) in conjunction with or instead of him/her.

Grammar and style: As a nonstandard form, there is no fixed grammar; usage is determined by the individual. In reflexive position, it would function similarly to "himself" or "herself," but its exact placement can vary, and writers often explain their preferred pronouns in personal bios. Style guides generally do not endorse it, so readers should rely on the person's stated preferences.

Reception: Among linguists and editors, the term is seen as an example of ongoing experimentation with pronoun systems. It remains rare and sometimes controversial, with concerns about clarity, consistency, and compatibility with technology that tracks pronouns. Nevertheless, it illustrates how communities negotiate language to reflect identity.

See also: Pronoun, Nonbinary gender, Gender-neutral language, They/them, Neologism.