What does nonbinary mean Meaning and Definition

What does nonbinary mean

What does nonbinary mean

Pronunciation

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Part of Speech

Noun/Adjective

Definition

A gender identity that is not exclusively male or female; a person who identifies as non-binary, genderqueer, or genderfluid, with a gender that does not fit within the traditional male/female binary.

Etymology

The term “nonbinary” originates from the field of linguistics, where it refers to words that do not fit into traditional categories. In the context of gender identity, the term was adopted to describe individuals who do not identify as solely male or female.

Usage Notes

When referring to someone’s gender identity, it’s important to use the language they prefer and respect their expression. Avoid making assumptions about someone’s gender based on their appearance or mannerisms.

Cultural References

  • In the TV show “Sense8,” the main character Amanita Montesinos-Durst is a non-binary individual.
  • In the Netflix series “Black Mirror,” the character of Nosedive is non-binary.

Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases

  • “Gender neutral,” “genderqueer,” or “genderfluid” are often used interchangeably with “nonbinary.”
  • “Invalid” or “undetermined” are other terms used to describe gender identities that do not fit within the traditional binary.

Related Words or Phrases

  • Genderfluid
  • Genderqueer
  • Genderneutral
  • Agender
  • Pangender

Collocations

  • Non-binary gender
  • Gender non-conforming
  • Genderfluid identity

Frequency of Use

The term “nonbinary” has gained increasing visibility and use in recent years, particularly in the LGBTQ+ community and allies.

Common Misspellings

  • Nobinary
  • Nanobinary

Related Words