˜yÐÄvlog

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themself

[ thuhm-self, them- ]

pronoun

  1. Nonstandard. themselves ( def ): The teacher introduced themself to the class.

    The kids began laughing at themself.

    Everyone who got the right answer can congratulate themself.

    The teacher introduced themself to the class.

  2. a reflexive form of singular they, as used to refer to a nonbinary or gender-nonconforming person:

    Chris only posts memes that they created themself.



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Usage Note

Themself has a long history of use in English as a reflexive pronoun referring back to a plural antecedent ( the right of all citizens to protect themself ) or to a single generic or unspecified antecedent ( someone capable of speaking for themself ). In spite of historical use, in these contexts the pronoun themself is not considered to be standard English. A more acceptable alternative is the plural pronoun themselves , though its use with a singular antecedent is rejected as ungrammatical by many people. The singular antecedent is more commonly paired with the third person singular reflexive himself or herself, as recommended by traditional grammars ( someone capable of speaking for himself ). However, when themself is being used as part of a set of pronouns (including they, their, and them ) that refer back to a nonbinary or gender-nonconforming individual, it is a grammatical option to express reflexive meaning. Neither plural themselves nor gendered himself or herself completely suffice in this context. The grammaticality of nonbinary singular themself in this paradigm follows logically from the acceptability of singular they in this function: Andi is learning to put themself first, and prioritize their own happiness and mental health. they.
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˜yÐÄvlog History and Origins

Origin of themself1

First recorded in 1350–1400; them ( def ) + self ( def )
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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

Mostly, they’re lying to themself, convinced of whatever they feel and think in the moment.

From

But what if, having ignored the warnings, a person finds themself in a nonreciprocal dynamic?

From

Indeed, Devenot introduced themself as an expert in “psychedelic bioethics,†but their credentials aren’t merely “self-described.â€

From

Mr McGhee says that child would have to get themself back into the class - and would not be able to return without an apology.

From

In one major case, the high court held that an officer must themself be subject to Senate confirmation unless they are “directed and supervised†by someone else who was themself confirmed by the Senate.

From

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