othersboth

Othersboth is a term that has appeared in contemporary discourse to denote a stance that seeks to acknowledge both oneself and others in equal measure within social, ethical, or argumentative contexts. The word is a blend of "other" and "both" and is most often encountered in online discussions, critical theory blogs, and some niche academic writing. There is no formal, widely accepted definition, and usage varies by community.

Etymology: Othersboth is a portmanteau of "other" and "both." Early published uses are informal and difficult to date precisely, but the term appears in the 2020s in non-peer-reviewed writing.

Usage: In ethical discussions, othersboth is used to describe an approach that privileges inclusivity and mutual recognition, balancing respect for others with consideration of one's own position. In rhetoric, it can signal a stance that avoids simple binary opposition by acknowledging multiple actors, including the speaker and interlocutors. In philosophy or social theory, it may relate to perspectivism or stance-taking, and is sometimes invoked to argue for dialogic rather than adversarial engagement.

Reception: The lack of a standardized definition means interpretation is fluid. Advocates see othersboth as a concise shorthand for a balanced, nonpartisan attitude; critics caution that the term can be vague and risk masking power imbalances.

See also: perspective-taking, inclusive language, stance theory, empathy.