Why the public conversation around gender-neutral pronouns shifted so dramatically after 2016
In short: In 2013, a video on singular they was largely uncontroversial, drawing criticism only from linguists protective of grammatical gender. By 2016, the climate had transformed. Tom Scott reflects on why he disabled his comments, how language evolution works, and the changing social landscape for non-binary and trans individuals.
When Tom Scott released his video on singular they and gender-neutral pronouns in 2013, the reception was notably different from today. Early dislikes were primarily driven by speakers of languages with strict grammatical gender who felt the English usage insulted their own linguistic structures. It was a period where the topic was seen as a niche linguistic curiosity rather than a flashpoint for broader cultural conflict.
The turning point arrived in 2016. Scott observed a shift where the video began attracting coordinated, hostile engagement from individuals who sought out the content specifically to leave toxic comments. He notes that YouTube’s moderation tools were, and remain, insufficient to manage this influx without the impractical expense of hiring full-time moderators. Consequently, he chose to keep the comment section disabled, prioritizing his resources elsewhere.
Reflecting on the evolution of language, Scott acknowledges that his earlier dismissal of neopronouns like 'hir' or 'xe' was overly judgmental. While he maintains that deliberately engineering new words into a language is an immense challenge, he regrets the tone he used. He also expresses discomfort with his past decision to co-opt LGBT slogans for his titles, recognizing that those phrases were not his to repurpose.
If he were to revisit the topic in 2019, Scott suggests the focus would shift entirely toward the singular 'they' as a settled linguistic fact rather than a novelty. He views the current social climate as having reached the third stage of the Williams Scale—'then they fight you'—and expresses hope that society will soon progress to the final stage: 'then you win'. For him, the conversation has moved from an explanatory 'did you know' to a simple, respectful acknowledgment of identity.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Gender Neutral Pronouns: They're Here, Get Used To Them
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