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This is just a very recent conditioning. Doesn't (yet?) work for all of us. I cringe whenever I encounter this strange use of plural they to designate a single
by interfixus 8y ago
This is just a very recent conditioning. Doesn't (yet?) work for all of us. I cringe whenever I encounter this strange use of plural they to designate a single individual. In fact, I consider the old convention of 'he' in certain context meaning 'he or she' far less a rape of linguistic integrity.
- djur 8y agoSingular 'they' is not that recent. It's first attested in the 14th century and has been a subject of linguistic peevishness since the 1800s. The idea that 'he' is preferable to 'they' for a person of unknown gender is actually one of those modern inventions like the prohibition of split infinitives. Also, you should maybe consider an analogy less extreme than _sexual assault_ for people using grammatical constructs you don't prefer.
- interfixus 8y agoOkay, never knew. I shall have to look into that. Point the point stands, the useage does irk me, but probably more from its latter-day signal value than from any deepseated linguistic belief. I did sort of allow for that interpretatation with my paranthetical yet?. As for the rape expression. Now that usage certainly has quite a history. I find it occasionally useful, and shall keep using it whenever it suits my fancy, currently heightened sensitivities notwithstanding.