[net.lang] They

mgv@duke.UUCP (08/02/83)

Some time ago, someone on this newsgroup commented on the use
of "they" in place of "he or she" (and "them" in place of "him or her").
I recall that he or she mentioned that this use was commonplace
until last century, in the English language.
I would appreciate receiving comments on this issue, or a reprint
of the original article.

Thank you.

				Marco
				(duke!mgv)

reid@uwvax.ARPA (Glenn Reid) (08/04/83)

I don't know if "they" in place of "he/she" was standard in old english, but
I do find that I use it a fair amount when discussing a third party who is to
remain sexless (don't misinterpret...)  It tends to be *much* easier to do it
this way, and it is pretty acceptable to most people (unfortunately(?))

I'll talk to somebody how I want, and if they don't like it, joke 'em.

I'll talk to somebody how I want, and if he/she doesn't like it, joke him/her.



Glenn Reid
..seismo!uwvax!reid  (reid@uwisc.ARPA)