nounself pronoun
Very LowInformal, Online/Internet, Subcultural
Definition
Meaning
A type of neopronoun, typically created in online communities, where a noun (e.g., 'bunny', 'star') is adapted to function as a set of personal pronouns (e.g., bun/bunself, star/starself).
A grammatically innovative pronoun form used primarily within certain LGBTQ+ and non-binary online communities to express gender identity, personal affinity, or other aspects of self in a way not served by traditional pronouns. They are part of a broader movement of linguistic self-determination.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The term itself is a compound noun, but refers to a class of pronouns. These pronouns are intentionally created and adopted for personal use; they are not standardized and are rarely used outside specific communities. Their usage is often deeply personal and identity-affirming.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant regional difference in usage. The phenomenon is rooted in global online communities.
Connotations
Connotations are tied to subculture rather than region. May be seen as progressive/affirming within certain groups, and as unusual or confusing outside of them.
Frequency
Extremely rare in mainstream discourse in both regions. Usage frequency is determined by online community engagement, not geography.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[Person/Group] uses/creates [nounself pronoun set].The pronoun set [bun/bunself] is a nounself pronoun.Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Virtually never used. Considered highly inappropriate in formal business communication.
Academic
Rare. May appear in sociolinguistic or gender studies papers as a topic of analysis, but not as a default form of address.
Everyday
Extremely rare outside specific LGBTQ+/online friend groups. Likely to cause confusion if used unexpectedly.
Technical
The term itself is a technical descriptor within discussions of pronoun innovation and neologisms.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- They hope to nounself-pronoun their way into a more expressive identity.
- The community often nounself-pronouns new sets based on shared interests.
American English
- Someone might verb the process and say they 'nounselfed' a new pronoun.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- This is my friend. Bun uses bunny pronouns. I met bun yesterday.
- Some people use nounself pronouns like 'star/starself' because they feel a strong connection to space.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: A 'noun' becomes your 'self' pronoun. 'Bunny' (noun) transforms into 'bun/bunself'.
Conceptual Metaphor
IDENTITY IS A CHOSEN OBJECT/ENTITY (e.g., my identity is like a 'star', so I use star/starself).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Russian has no direct equivalent. Translating the concept requires explanation, not a single word.
- The grammatical adaptation of a noun into a full pronoun system (subject/object/possessive) is alien to Russian grammar.
- May be misinterpreted as a nickname or term of endearment rather than a functional grammatical replacement for 'he/she/they'.
Common Mistakes
- Using them to refer to someone without their explicit consent.
- Treating them as a joke or less valid than traditional pronouns.
- Incorrectly conjugating verbs (e.g., 'bun is' not 'bun are', unless the pronoun is plural-themed).
- Assuming they are widely understood.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the use of nounself pronouns MOST socially accepted?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
They exist outside standardised grammar. Their 'correctness' is determined by mutual understanding within a speech community, not by traditional prescriptive rules.
Primarily for self-expression, to affirm a non-binary or other gender identity, or to feel a deeper connection to an aspect of themselves that a standard pronoun doesn't convey.
As a matter of basic respect, if someone requests you use specific pronouns for them, it is considered polite to try. However, their usage is often limited to specific personal or community contexts.
You use the forms provided. For example, for 'fawn/fawnself': Subject: 'Fawn is here.' Object: 'I spoke to fawn.' Possessive Adjective: 'That is fawn book.' Reflexive: 'Fawn did it fawnself.'