different between themself vs theirself

English

Etymology

From Middle English theimself. Equivalent to them +? -self. Reinforced by analogy with the singular-plural distinction between yourself and yourselves.

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /?ð?ms?lf/, /ð?m?s?lf/
• Rhymes: -?ms?lf, -?lf

Pronoun

themself

1. The reflexive form of they, the third-person singular personal pronoun. The single person previously mentioned, as the object of a verb or following a preposition (also used for emphasis).

   Someone could hurt themself.

   Anyone who wants a car like mine can buy one themself.
2. (nonstandard) Synonym of themselves (the third-person plural).
   • 1822, John Strype, Ecclesiastical Memorials, Relating Chiefly to Religion, page 119:

     […] and the same is here thought of al men to be so vailable and sufficient, as can be required, accept and take the said commission and dispensation so thankfully, and themself so satisfied with the same, that they repute and think themself not only singularly obstringed and bound to the Popes […]

Usage notes

• The use of themself instead of themselves is sometimes proscribed, but it is relatively common "considering that singular they is unquestionably far less frequent than plural they". Furthermore, the use of themself as a singular and themselves as a plural is in "clear parallel [to] common usage of the second-person forms, where yourselves can be contrasted with yourself", and the same is true in the first person, where ourselves contrasts with ourself.
• For more on the use of they as a singular pronoun, see they.
• For information on the use of he and himself as a generic singular pronoun, see he.

Synonyms

• themselves (more common)
• theirself, theirselves (nonstandard)
• himself, herself (gender-specific)
• thonself (rare)
• other attested gender-neutral pronouns

References

English

Etymology

From their +? -self, patterned on e.g. myself, ourself/ourselves and herself (construed as being formed from adjectival her).

Pronoun

theirself

1. (nonstandard) Alternative form of themself.
2. (nonstandard) Alternative form of themselves.
   • 1977, Lou Rawls, “Some Folks Never Learn”, Unmistakably Lou, Philadelphia International

     Some folks never learn / They never learn / Learn how to be true to theirself.