It’s time for our series of posts here at Jessica Who?, titled “Word of the Week”. In these short articles, from here on out published each Friday, I will explore the various labels and umbrella terms used to label us. By doing this, I hope to educate not only myself, but also anyone who may not be familiar with these terms. Feel free to add your own knowledge to each post by leaving a comment 
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The label that we will be examining is: Ze
Standard Definition
Not officially defined in the dictionary.
Derogatory?
No, in fact it can be a real honor to someone who prefers this pronoun.
What’s It Really Mean?
Ze is a gender neutral pronoun, used in place of he or she. Many gender benders, transgender folk and cross-dressers prefer to be addressed as ze rather than anything gender specific.
My Take
As a person who has no preference — you may use he, she or ze to refer to me — I appreciate this word because it empowers those who do not want to be defined or entrapped by gender stereotypes.
For people who choose to paint outside the lines in their gender presentation, ze can be a fitting title.
Your Take
Have you anything to add? Please leave your take on this word in the comments section, I hope we can open up a dialogue and learn from each other while educating the masses.
Words to Suggest?
I think that the Word of the Week series will be ending soon, but if you have any suggestions of words to post about then I will keep it going. Contact me with your thoughts or leave it in the comments section .
JessicaWhoHD
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{ 7 comments… read them below or add one }
I’ve never heard of this before. Can you imagine? I thought I knew everything. However, it is a great descriptor. Much better than combining he-she. Whenever I hear people combine those two words like that it makes me crazy. It’s almost like they are making a snide comment about someone’s gender. Like almost referring to someone as an ‘it’, instead of a person.
Jessica,
in Portuguese (at least in Brazilian Portuguese) the word “ze” means “uncle.”
I don’t know if this matters, or not.
Hugs and kisses.
Ana
Done “gender fluid” yet? Like “ze” it’s a way to keep from boxing yourself into a … er… box!
Not officially defined in the dictionary? It’s not even in the reputable dictionaries!
You might want to check out this article in The Economist Online for a good discussion about “ze” and other allegedly gender-neutral and/or epicene pronouns!
I hate these made-up words that like 1% of the population has heard of. I’m 47, been gender nonconformative since I was 17, and that’s a new one on me!
My Take:
If you doesn’t want to be a Mr., Miss, Ms., or Mrs., then you have always have the option of pulling something confusing like that.
But, a big complaint from so many is that we aren’t accepted or allowed to fit in. Well, when you go about making-up your own rules, and then expect others to follow a rule book that they’ve never even heard of, well, your probably not working very hard at YOUR end on fitting in
Personally, I don’t care what anyone “calls,” me, as long as they spell it right on the check.
I have always subscribed to the practice of “call ‘em like you see ‘em”. In male presentation – He; in female presentation – She. I love it, and don’t find it confusing to employ this practice when out in our community.
I’ve never heard of this term but you have broadened my vocabulary again. If the subject ever comes up at least I’ll be informed and not sound confused like the real blonde I am.