The Himself Vs Hisself Showdown: Dissecting The Grammatical Mystery Once And For All
The question of whether "hisself" is a legitimate pronoun or a grammatical error sparks debate among linguists and writers. "Himself" is the established reflexive pronoun for male subjects and objects, while "hisself" is widely considered nonstandard, though it persists in specific dialects for emphasis or stylistic effect. This article clarifies the rules, explores the origins of "hisself," and explains why "himself" remains the correct choice in formal communication.
Navigating the nuances of English reflexive pronouns is essential for clear and professional communication. Reflexive pronouns like "himself," "herself," and "themselves" refer back to the subject of the sentence, ensuring the action returns to the doer. When a male subject performs an action that affects him, "himself" is the required form, standing as a pillar of grammatical standardization. However, "hisself" emerges in certain contexts, prompting the question of its validity and revealing the tension between prescriptive rules and descriptive linguistic reality. Understanding this distinction is key for anyone aiming to write and speak with precision.
The Prescriptive Rule: Why "Himself" Is The Standard
In formal English, grammar rules are built on consistency and clarity. Reflexive pronouns must agree in gender and number with the nouns they refer to. For a singular male subject, "himself" is the only accepted form. This pronoun follows a logical pattern: I/me-myself, you-yourself, he/him-himself, she/her-herself, they/them-themselves. The usage is absolute in professional writing, academic work, and official communication.
Consider the function of a reflexive pronoun. It intensifies the action of the verb or refers back to the subject. For example:
- John prepared the speech himself. (Emphasis: John did it alone.)
- He cut himself while shaving. (The action "cut" reflects back to the subject "he.")
In these cases, "himself" is the only grammatically correct choice. Style guides from the Associated Press (AP) to the Chicago Manual of Style, and institutions like universities and government agencies, uniformly prescribe "himself." Using "hisself" in a business report, a college essay, or a news article is viewed as a mistake that undermines credibility. It is categorized as a nonstandard variant, similar to "theirselves" or "hisself" in older English dialects, and is generally avoided in edited prose.
The Descriptive Reality: Where And Why "Hisself" Appears
Despite the rule, "hisself" is not a mere typo. It is a real word used in specific linguistic contexts, and its existence highlights the difference between what is prescribed and what is practiced. Linguists describe "hisself" as a dialectal or folk form, often emerging in regional speech or informal writing to convey a particular tone or identity. Its use is typically tied to themes of emphasis, intimacy, or a deliberate departure from standard English.
Here are the primary contexts where "hisself" appears:
- Regional Dialects: In some varieties of African American Vernacular English (AAVE) and certain Southern American English dialects, "hisself" functions as a standard pronoun. In these communities, it carries the same grammatical weight as "himself" but is embedded in a distinct linguistic tradition. Dismissing it as "wrong" ignores the complex rules and historical roots of these dialects.
- Literary Voice and Characterization: Writers often use "hisself" to authentically portray a character's background, education level, or regional origin. A character from the rural South or a figure aiming to project a rough, colloquial demeanor might say, "He don't care for nobody, not hisself." This is not an error in the fictional world; it's a tool for creating realism and depth.
- Poetic License and Stylization: Poets and songwriters may choose "hisself" for rhyme, rhythm, or to evoke a specific emotional texture. It can sound more earthy, primal, or intimate than the clinical precision of "himself."
The distinction is crucial. Descriptively, "hisself" is a valid part of language variation. Prescriptively, it has no place in standard written English. As linguist John McWhorter has noted, language is a tool, and different tools are needed for different jobs. "Hisself" is the right tool for capturing a specific voice or cultural context, just as "himself" is the right tool for a formal argument.
Examples In The Wild: A Side-By-Side Comparison
The best way to understand the divide is to see the words in action. The key is context. What is correct in a blues lyric would be an error in a legal document.
Correct (Standard English):
The CEO reviewed the financial report himself to ensure there were no discrepancies.
She gave the keynote speech, and then herself answered every question from the audience.
Correct (Dialectal/Literary/Stylistic Use):
He done locked the door, stubborn hisself up in that room and wouldn't come out.
The old man looked at his wrinkled hands and said, "Ain't nobody can feel this pain but hisself."
In the first set, "himself" and "herself" are used in a professional, objective context. In the second, "hisself" is employed to convey a specific cultural authenticity or a rough-hewn character. The second usage is not a failure to learn the rule; it is a strategic choice to break it for artistic or cultural effect.
Navigating The Gray Area: When To Use Which
So, when facing the choice between "himself" and "hisself," how does one decide? The answer lies in an understanding of audience, purpose, and genre.
- For Professional And Academic Writing: Always use "himself." Clarity, universality, and professionalism are paramount. Your goal here is to be understood by the broadest audience without drawing attention to your grammar.
- For Creative Writing And Dialogue: You have flexibility. If you are writing a formal novel, use "himself." If you are crafting dialogue for a character from a specific region or background, "hisself" can be a powerful and authentic choice. Know your intention.
- In Digital Communication: The lines are blurry. A text to a friend might include "hisself" for effect or brevity. However, in a professional email or on a public forum, sticking to "himself" is the safest and most respectful option.
Language is a living entity, constantly evolving. While "hisself" may never appear in the style manuals of major publishers, its existence is a testament to the richness and diversity of the English language. For the writer or speaker, the power lies not in rigidly enforcing one form, but in understanding the rules well enough to know when to follow them and when, with full awareness, to break them.
