What is hee?

Hee, (also spelled he), is a term with multiple potential meanings, most commonly encountered as a gender-neutral singular pronoun. It's important to understand its usage in context:

  • As a pronoun: Some individuals who identify as non-binary or genderqueer prefer the pronoun "hee" (and often associated pronouns like "him," "his," and "himself") as an alternative to she/her/hers or he/him/his. The usage is similar to "they/them/theirs." You can find more on the topic of gender-neutral pronouns.

  • Archaic or dialectal usage: "Hee" can also appear in older texts or regional dialects. These uses are unrelated to contemporary pronoun usage and are often simply a form of "he."

  • Sound/Interjection: "Hee" can also represent a sound, like a giggle or a small laugh. This is less common than the pronoun usage, but is a valid interpretation.

Understanding the context in which "hee" is used is crucial to properly interpret its meaning. When unsure, the best practice is always to ask the individual how they prefer to be referred to. Also, this pronoun is not very common and if you encounter a person who is using it, be sure to ask if you use this pronoun right. You can ask questions about this topic with the tag pronoun usage.