Once in a blue moon, we encounter a parenting moment so epic that it goes viral.
A Canadian student, Karuna Vellino, recently came out to their mother as non-binary, which means they do not identify as male or female. Their mom didn’t hesitate to look for a gender neutral nickname for their child. Karuna announced the supportive and sweet adaptation on Twitter, saying:
“My mom has always called me ‘baby girl’ and we’ve been experimenting with gender neutral ways to adapt that since I came out as nonbinary.”
There isn’t one part of this I don’t love. Baby goats are literally kids and I’m here for that mom joke!
You see, coming out as queer several years ago introduced me to an entirely new world of pronouns, identities, and labels that I never knew previously. Before I came out, I never realized how gendered most monikers are. Nicknames are about showing you care, not about choosing a label that’s tied to a gender. We can actually choose from a myriad of gender-neutral nicknames for our loved ones.
From your children to your bae, here are some gender neutral pet names that will show how much you care:
For A Child:
Little Bit
That’s exactly what our children are! Little bits of cuteness and often, mischief.
Muffin
We call babies a bun in the oven, so why not a little muffin?
Half Pint
Half pint is the precious nickname Charles Ingalls had for Laura (my namesake) in Little House On The Prairie. It works for as a cute choice for gender neutrality!
Pumpkin
A classic pet name for everyone.
Bean
My child was “baby bean” in utero and now, six years later, that name has stuck. Sweet option, no matter their gender.
Peanut
Peanuts are adorable and small! Need I say more?
Cupcake
Always a sweet treat, and a great name choice for little ones!
For A Friend:
Bestie
An abbreviation of best friend that isn’t tied to gender.
Ride Or Die
Some people are there for us no matter what. Those people are our “ride or die” friends.
Accomplice
Introduce your bestie as your accomplice and see if you (and they) don’t smile.
Sidekick
When y’all are Sherlock and Watson, this name works great! Have some fun answering who is who!
Partner In Crime
How many times has your friend been the Bonnie to your Clyde?
Goofball
A goofball, by definition, is a silly person! Your crew certainly has a few of these — the ones who make you smile and have your back.
Old Sport
A monocle, accent, and cigar may be required to pull this one off, to be fair.It’s partly Gatsby-inspired, partly because I want to see the monocle come back in fashion.
On a personal note, my closest comrade has stuck by me for over two decades. Their nickname is “that person who knows too much.” Kidding. They’re actually the person who knows way too much.
For A Significant Other:
Baby
While certainly immortalized by Mr. Patrick Swayze in Dirty Dancing, it’s a classic that can be applied to anyone.
Babe
Similar to baby, but we drop the ”y” for a whole new option.
My Love
Who doesn’t want the person of their dreams looking into their eyes saying, “Hello my love.” Swoon.
Sweetie
A word reminiscent of sugar and wonderful treats — this is an oldie but goodie.
Sweetheart
See sweetie and add a heart.
My Puzzle Piece
Human beings are inherently social; we want to belong. Hearing we are someone’s puzzle piece is a wonderful feeling.
These many options beg the question: What do we call the non-binary people in our lives? Ultimately, it’s about finding something that’s personal to you and to them.There are so many wonderful ways to take gender out of the equation, so challenge yourself to swap the typical pet names for something more inclusive. You’re sure to find the perfect nickname for everyone you love, regardless of their gender.
Which of these do you like best? Which might you use for your loved ones? Share with us in the comments!
Featured image from Adrijana via Pexels.
I try to call my son by gender neutral as well as gender specific nicknames. That way he knows that he is loved no matter what his choice is. So, boyo, buddy, kiddo, sweetie, honey/hun and actually his own name from time to time and not just when he is in trouble. I like hearing my own name from time to time, so I figure he might as well. Covid has been hard on him socially since he is an extrovert, but developmentally it has been great for him. He has long hair and wears dresses at home and it’s been a while since we played with makeup, but he has been learning how to brush my hair, which he inherited from me. So he metaphorically gets to play with his own hair on a live mannequin! He is a happy child who smiles and laughs a lot and I’m loving watching him become the person that he wants to be. Thanks for all of the new nicknames to choose from.
my they/them is hot
pog