The Oxford English Dictionary has announced that its considering adding a gender-neutral honorific in its next edition, to account for individuals who dont identify with the binary standard of Mr. and Mrs. The new Mx title (pronounced Mix) has been used in some council documents, drivers licenses and bank accounts in the U.K. for the past two years.
This is an example of how the English language adapts to peoples needs, with people using language in ways that suit them, rather than letting language dictate identity to them, said assistant editor, Jonathan Dent.
The U.K. wouldnt be the first to make a more inclusive title officialin March, Sweden added the gender-neutral pronoun hen to its dictionarybut the new addition is being lauded by gender-fluid advocates worldwide.
According to @Independent Mx (pronounced Mix) is now an official word in The Oxford Dictionary! Tweeted Tony-nominated performer Justin Vivian Bond. Note it @nytimes!
Transgender performer Justin Vivian Bond has been using Mx as a title for years.
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