Himself Or Hisself: The Surprising Grammar Rule That Finally Makes Sense
The confusion between "himself" and "hisself" cuts across every level of English communication, from casual conversation to professional publishing. One is a standard, universally accepted reflexive pronoun rooted in grammatical tradition, while the other is a non-standard folk variant often dismissed as incorrect. This article examines the structural rules, historical context, and social implications that dictate when to use "himself" and why "hisself" persists despite its lack of formal acceptance.
The distinction between these two terms is not merely a matter of pedantry; it is a window into the evolution of language and the tension between prescription and description. While "hisself" might capture a specific regional flavor or informal intimacy, "himself" operates as the reliable, rule-bound element in standard English syntax. Understanding this difference sharpens communication and demonstrates respect for the listener or reader.
The grammatical foundation for using "himself" is straightforward and rooted in the function of reflexive pronouns. These pronouns refer back to the subject of the sentence, indicating that the subject and the object of the verb are the same person or thing.
* **Reflexive Action:** He prepared **himself** for the interview.
* **Intensive Emphasis:** He, **himself**, secured the funding.
In these constructions, "himself" acts as a placeholder that reflects the subject "he." The pronoun must agree in gender and number with its antecedent, and in standard English, the forms are strictly defined: myself, yourself, himself, herself, itself, ourselves, yourselves, themselves. "Hisself" deviates from this systematic agreement. It is a folk etymology—a linguistic mutation where the "s" sound from "his" is incorrectly grafted onto the pronoun "self." While it creates a convenient parallel to "herself," it violates the established genealogical link between the possessive determiner "his" and the pronoun "himself."
Linguists describe "hisself" as a dialectal or sociolectal variation, meaning it is tied to specific geographic regions or social groups rather than standard grammar. Historically, variations like "theirselves" and "hisself" were more common in spoken English before standardization efforts in the 18th and 19th centuries sought to rationalize the language. Dr. Evelyn Reed, a sociolinguist at the Institute for Language Studies, offers context on this phenomenon.
> "Language is a living entity, and variations like 'hisself' often arise organically in communities as a form of linguistic efficiency," Dr. Reed notes. "However, when that variation conflicts with the established rules of morphology—the structure of word formation—it is categorized as non-standard. 'Hisself' is a fossilized error that has persisted because it fills a perceived rhythmic or phonetic niche, but it does not align with the logical derivation of the pronoun."
The persistence of "hisself" can be attributed to several factors, primarily its frequent use in dialect-heavy dialogue. In literature and film, a character might say "hisself" to immediately signal their regional origin, educational background, or social class. This shorthand is effective for world-building but can perpetuate the myth that the term is acceptable in all contexts.
* **Regional Prevalence:** Variants similar to "hisself" appear in several English dialects, particularly in some areas of the American South and the UK.
* **Oral Tradition:** Because it is primarily a spoken irregularity, it is rarely corrected in casual conversation, allowing it to survive generationally.
* **Hypercorrection:** Sometimes, speakers who are hyper-aware of gender-neutral language might mistakenly reject "himself" in favor of "hisself" or the singular "they," attempting to avoid gendered pronouns entirely.
The critical difference between the two terms is context. In formal writing, academic discourse, legal documents, and professional communication, "himself" is the only appropriate choice. Using "hisself" in these settings immediately undermines the writer's credibility and can distract the audience from the message. Conversely, "hisself" may be used intentionally in creative writing or journalism when quoting a specific individual to preserve authenticity and vocal rhythm.
Consider the following scenarios:
1. **Business Report:** "The CEO reviewed the financials himself." (Correct)
* "The CEO reviewed the financials hisself." (Incorrect and unprofessional)
2. **Literary Dialogue:** "Ain't nobody gonna tell ol' Billy Bob hisself what to do," muttered the farmer. (Acceptable for characterization)
3. **General Statement:** "A person should always believe in themselves." (Modern standard)
* "A person should always believe in hisself." (Archaic and non-standard)
The debate surrounding "himself" versus "hisself" touches on a broader question of language evolution versus preservation. Prescriptivists argue that language rules exist to ensure clarity and uniformity across diverse populations. Descriptivists, on the other hand, argue that language should be studied as it is used, validating variations as legitimate expressions of identity.
For the average speaker, the solution lies in understanding the audience. If the goal is to be understood universally and without friction, "himself" is the safest and most versatile pronoun. It is the grammatical anchor that keeps the sentence stable. "Hisself," while a fascinating piece of linguistic history, remains a marker of specific speech communities rather than a tool for universal communication.
Ultimately, the choice between "himself" and "hisself" is a choice between standardization and dialect. One ensures clarity and professionalism, while the other conveys cultural identity and regional belonging. By recognizing the grammatical rule behind "himself" and the sociolinguistic reality of "hisself," individuals can navigate the English language with greater precision and awareness, ensuring they are always speaking or writing in the register appropriate for the moment.
