TED Radio Hour They/Them, LatinX, Rigged: The history behind three words
22 snips
May 24, 2024 
Linguists and a social psychologist explore the history and significance of words like 'they', 'Latinx', and 'rigged'. They discuss language evolution, inclusivity, and the impact of words on perception and society. The podcast delves into linguistic changes, political discourse, and the power of words in shaping our understanding and beliefs.
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Singular They Is Historically Valid
- The pronoun "they" has been used singularly for centuries and its modern non-binary use accelerated acceptance in style guides.
- Anne Curzan argues singular they is historically justified and rhetorically respectful to people's identities.
Choose Language By Purpose Not Dogma
- Choose language based on clarity, audience, and purpose rather than strict right-or-wrong rules.
- Anne Curzan advises writers to weigh formality and rhetorical goals when deciding which rules to follow.
Latinx Struggles To Gain Broad Use
- "Latinx" sought to neutralize gendered Spanish endings but remains unfamiliar and unpopular among most Spanish speakers.
- John McWhorter notes the X feels un-Spanish and many prefer alternatives like Latine or Latina.