In 2019, Merriam-Webster chose the word "they" as its Word of the Year, spotlighting a pronoun driving conversations about identity, inclusivity, and language evolution. This selection reflected widespread cultural debates over singular they as a recognized, respected form for individuals who do not identify as strictly male or female.
The choice also signaled how deeply grammar discussions had entered mainstream media, classrooms, and policy spaces. Editors noted spikes in lookups and a surge in reader questions about whether "they" as a singular pronoun was acceptable, making it more than a linguistic curiosity.
| Year | Word of the Year | Selection Rationale | Key Cultural Context |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | They | Singular usage for gender-neutral reference and identity discussions | Rising awareness of nonbinary identities and inclusive language |
| 2018 | Justice | Search surges tied to legal proceedings and social movements | National conversations on fairness and institutional trust |
| 2017 | Feminism | Increased engagement with gender equality topics | Global marches and policy debates on women's rights |
| 2016 | Post-truth | Focus on emotion over objective facts in public discourse | Election cycles and misinformation trends |
The Cultural Push for Inclusive Language
By 2019, public institutions, media outlets, and corporations were actively reconsidering how language shapes belonging. The singular "they" became a practical tool for respecting individuals’ pronouns without requiring immediate or explicit detail. Style guides, universities, and some governments updated guidance to acknowledge its legitimacy as a standard option.
This shift was not merely grammatical but social, influencing hiring practices, health forms, and customer service interactions. People sought clarity on how to refer to colleagues, students, and public figures respectfully, turning dictionary lookups into a form of civic engagement.
Grammar Debates Enter Mainstream Discourse
Merriam-Webster’s lookup data highlighted a dramatic increase in queries around "they" used for a single person. Traditional prescriptive rules long insisted on "he or she" or awkward rewrites, but evolving norms favored a more natural solution already in spoken use for centuries.
Editors and linguists weighed in on panels, op-eds, and classrooms, explaining that English has often adapted to social needs. Decisions about usage stopped being purely about authority and became about clarity, empathy, and audience awareness.
Media Coverage and Institutional Response
Major news organizations, educators, and advocacy groups referenced the Merriam-Webster choice to frame broader stories about identity and respect. Headlines often linked the pronoun to nonbinary visibility, highlighting profiles of people who use they/them pronouns and the challenges they face.
Schools and companies used the moment to update guidelines, training materials, and websites. The word of the year became a lens for examining how institutions respond to cultural change and how language policies can support dignity.
How the Word Reflects Digital Communication Trends
Search engines, forums, and social platforms amplified discussion of singular "they," and Merriam-Webster’s online tools captured these patterns in near real time. Users were not only curious about definitions but also about examples, etiquette, and the implications for future communication.
Algorithms that surface trending words helped turn a grammatical question into a global talking point. The visibility reinforced the idea that language change can be both grassroots and institutionally recognized.
Key Takeaways on Language, Identity, and Institutional Response
- Merriam-Webster’s 2019 Word of the Year captured a moment when grammar intersected with identity politics.
- Singular "they" moved from informal usage to recognized standard in many professional and educational contexts.
- Lookups and media attention turned dictionary data into a barometer of social change.
- Institutions updated style guides and training to reflect evolving pronoun norms and inclusive practices.
- Ongoing dialogue about language ensures that dictionaries remain living records rather than static rulebooks.
FAQ
Reader questions
Why did Merriam-Webster choose "they" as the Word of the Year for 2019?
It reflected a measurable spike in lookups tied to debates over gender identity and inclusive language, highlighting how the pronoun was central to cultural conversations.
Did choosing "they" imply a stance on how people should use language?
No, the selection documented usage trends and public interest rather than prescribing rules, serving as a mirror to ongoing social change.
How did media outlets typically frame the choice of "they" as Word of the Year?
Many connected it to nonbinary visibility, updates in style guides, and institutional efforts to adopt more respectful communication practices in schools and workplaces.
What long-term impact did the 2019 Word of the Year have on discussions about language and identity?
It helped normalize discussion of singular they in public life, encouraging organizations to update policies and individuals to practice more inclusive everyday communication.