waitthey

Waitthey is a term that has circulated in online discussions about pronouns and inclusive language. It is not a formal linguistic category but a neologism used to describe a set of attitudes and practices surrounding pronoun usage. The term is used in two related ways: (1) to describe the practice of delaying or deferring the confirmation of a person’s pronouns in conversation until they are stated; (2) to label a stance that emphasizes obtaining explicit consent about pronouns before addressing someone. Etymology: the word is a portmanteau of wait and they, with its earliest appearances in online communities in the early 2020s; its precise origin remains unclear. Usage: encountered mainly in online forums, blogs, and social media discussions about pronouns; not standardized across communities. Examples are informal and vary, but may resemble sentences such as: "We’ll use waitthey until we know their pronouns." Because the term is not formally defined, interpretations vary. Reception: opinions are mixed; proponents argue it highlights consent and respectful communication, while critics worry it can introduce ambiguity or hinder natural conversation. See also: pronoun, they/them, neopronouns, pronoun etiquette, inclusive language.