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.

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.

Word History and Origins

Origin of themself¹

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

Example Sentences

As Gadsby toured “Nanette,” they found themself exploring the very nature of comedy, breaking down the traditional joke form of set-up/punchline, and deconstructing what a comedy special can be.

From Los Angeles Times

“Only the registered voter themself may request a replacement ballot,” the state said.

From Los Angeles Times

One such high level type, “geometrical gaze following,” occurs if you block the thing that the other is looking at so the subject can’t see it, so that they will physically reposition themself to see what others are seeing.

From Salon

Each candidate seeks to differentiate themself from the other, while avoiding making their trailblazing roles a distraction.

From Los Angeles Times

“People post pictures of their trips to amazing places. Or looking beautiful. And it makes other people feel bad about themself.”

From Seattle Times