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)