No, you cannot call a girl "him." The pronoun "him" is specifically used to refer to males.
Understanding Pronouns
Pronouns are words that replace nouns to avoid repetition. They also have gender-specific forms.
Gendered Pronouns
- He/Him/His: These pronouns are used to refer to male individuals.
- She/Her/Hers: These pronouns are used to refer to female individuals.
- They/Them/Their: These pronouns can be used to refer to individuals of any gender, including those who identify as non-binary.
According to the reference, "the word “him” is the object form of the Pronoun “he”. That is for a Male. So him for girl is wrong." This statement clearly indicates that using "him" to refer to a girl is incorrect.
Why This Matters
Using the correct pronouns demonstrates respect for an individual's gender identity. Misgendering someone can be hurtful and invalidating.
Examples
| Incorrect Usage | Correct Usage | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Calling a girl "him" | Calling her "her" | “Him” is the male object pronoun, while “her” is the female object pronoun. |
| Asking, "Where is him?" referring to a female | Asking "Where is she?" | Using correct female pronouns to refer to a female |
Practical Advice
- If you are unsure of someone's preferred pronouns, it's best to ask respectfully.
- When learning to use the right pronouns, you may make mistakes, but apologizing and correcting yourself quickly helps promote understanding and kindness.
