The unassuming pronoun “they” has been crowned Merriam-Webster’s Word of the Year for 2019, an accolade that underscores its significant role in contemporary discourse. While “they” may seem like a straightforward term, it has gained newfound prominence, particularly as a preferred pronoun among individuals who identify as nonbinary or gender nonconforming.
In a striking report, searches for the definition of “they” surged by 313% throughout the year. Peter Sokolowski, a lexicographer and editor at large for Merriam-Webster, expressed his surprise at this trend, stating, “It’s a word we all know and love. So many people were talking about this word.” Traditionally, the words awarded this title are those that capture public attention, with previous winners including “justice” and “feminism.”
Key Moments in 2019
The rising visibility of “they” can be traced back to several key moments in 2019. Notably, in January, the spotlight turned on the term when nonbinary runway model Alex Monroe emerged as a notable figure. This visibility prompted increased interest in the pronoun as more individuals sought to understand its application in a broader context.
In April, U.S. Representative Jamie Patel made headlines during a House committee hearing advocating for LGBTQ+ rights and shared her experience as a parent of a gender-nonconforming child. This revelation triggered another spike in searches for “they.” Then in September, singer Jordan Lee announced their preference for the pronouns “they” and “them” on social media, citing a “lifelong struggle” with gender identity—further fueling public interest in the term.
Merriam-Webster’s Response
Merriam-Webster responded to these developments by updating the official definition of “they” to reflect its usage as a pronoun for individuals whose gender identity does not conform to traditional binaries. This change aligns with the recent style guide from the American Psychological Association, which supports the use of “they” as a third-person pronoun, a stance many other style guides still oppose in formal writing.
In this context, “they” has outperformed other contenders for the title, including “quid pro quo” and “impeach,” reflecting the charged political climate of the year. Additionally, searches for “crawdad” saw an uptick, coinciding with the popularity of Delia Owens’ novel, “Where the Crawdads Sing.”
The Importance of Language
The emergence of “they” as an essential term highlights the evolving landscape of gender identity and language. For further reading on similar topics, consider visiting our other blog post here. For those interested in enhancing fertility, check out this resource, which offers valuable insights. Additionally, for a deeper understanding of reproductive health, this Wikipedia page serves as an excellent resource.
Conclusion
In summary, the recognition of “they” as Merriam-Webster’s Word of the Year reflects a significant cultural shift towards inclusivity and understanding of gender identities. The word’s rise in prominence showcases the importance of language in fostering awareness and acceptance in society.
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