vocêele

Vocêele is a neologism proposed in discussions about inclusive language within Portuguese-speaking communities. It functions as a suggested fused pronoun intended to refer to a person without indicating gender, combining the second-person pronoun você with ele.

Etymology and form: The term is a portmanteau of você and ele. Proponents describe it as a single subject pronoun for singular reference that avoids gender marking. Because it is unconventional, its grammatical treatment—such as verb agreement and article use—varies among users and is not standardized.

Usage and adoption: The pronoun appears in online writing, social media posts, and some advocacy circles, mainly in Brazil and other Portuguese-speaking communities exploring inclusive language. Compared with other gender-inclusive options (such as elle/elu or simply alternating pronouns), vocêele remains one of several experimental forms, with uneven uptake.

Reception and critique: Supporters argue that it offers a visible, pronounceable option for nonbinary and gender-nonconforming people and helps reduce gender biases. Critics contend that it lacks consensus, can hinder clarity, and complicates language teaching and formal writing. Style guides and institutions largely do not recognize it as standard Portuguese.

See also: gender and language in Portuguese; pronouns in Portuguese; inclusive language; nonbinary pronouns.