Weddingbee

A significant other (or SO) is a modern term for someone's partner. Notably, it doesn't reference gender, sexual orientation, or commitment level in any way. For example, the term "significant other" could refer to a heterosexual spouse, a homosexual life partner, or a boyfriend/girlfriend of any sexual orientation. In this sense, the phrase can be said to be "politically correct".

The term has come into use in the United States as a practical way to invite people's partners to an event without offending anyone involved.