jijzijhethernieuwde

jijzijhethernieuwde is a neologism used in Dutch linguistics and online discussion to describe a hypothetical approach to pronouns that blends elements of jij and zij with a renewed neuter form. It is presented as a conceptual framework rather than an established standard.

Origin and meaning

The term appears in speculative debates and informal writing from the early 2020s onward. It unapologetically combines linguistic building blocks—jij (you, informal), zij (she/they), het (it)—with notions of renewal or reform. The coinage is intended to evoke a flexible pronoun system that could respond to evolving notions of person, number, and gender in Dutch.

Concept and structure

jijzijhethernieuwde refers to a proposed pronoun set or token that could function across different syntactic roles while signaling inclusivity and social context. In discussions, it is often described as modular or single-token in principle, potentially replacing or augmenting separate subject, object, and possessive forms. Because it remains a theoretical construct, there is no widely agreed grammar or orthography, and implementation would require community consensus and likely institutional guidance.

Usage and reception

As a thought experiment, jijzijhethernieuwde is used to explore how Dutch pronouns might express identity and social relations more fluidly. Critics argue that such proposals risk ambiguity, complexity, and fragmentation of existing Dutch grammar, while supporters see value in inclusive language and adaptability. To date, it has limited practical adoption and mainly appears in academic discussions, seminars, and online forums about language reform.

See also

Gender-neutral language, Dutch pronouns, neopronouns, language reform debates.