The Remnant with Jonah Goldberg Pronouns In Bio
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Apr 10, 2025 
Join John McWhorter, a renowned linguist and New York Times opinion writer, as he delves into his book, 'Pronoun Trouble: The Story of Us in Seven Little Words.' He explores the rise of gender-neutral pronouns and the historical significance of traditional ones like 'thou.' The discussion highlights how language rules are often imposed, critiques elite dialects that exclude, and reveals how pronouns shape our identities and social hierarchies. McWhorter also touches on the limits of language in enacting real change.
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The Complexity of "We"
- Pronouns like "we" are more complex than they appear, often used for euphemism and politeness.
- "Let's take our pill" uses "we" to soften the action, implying shared responsibility.
Modern Linguistic Status Markers
- While explicit grammar rules for elites have diminished, subtle forms persist.
- Calling a customer "boss" reflects a status difference, similar to historical pronoun usage.
Origins of Singular "They"
- The singular "they" pronoun for non-binary individuals arose from a perceived need.
- Existing singular "they" usage (e.g., "tell each student they can go") made it a natural choice.
