Another section explains how noun-self pronouns are used by “xenic” individuals whose gender does not fit within “the Western human binary of gender alignments”. The webpage adds: “For example, someone who is catgender may use nya/nyan pronouns.”

Catgender, it says, is someone who “strongly identifies” with cats or other felines and those who “may experience delusions relating to being a cat or other feline”. The word nyan is Japanese for “meow”.

Bristol’s guide says that if staff make a mistake by using the wrong pronoun, “it is important not to become defensive or make a big deal out of it. Simply thank the person for correcting you, apologise swiftly, and use the correct pronouns going forward”.

It urges lecturers to be “proactive” by stating their pronouns voluntarily at the start of conversations and meetings, to create a normal culture on campus that avoids needing to ask one’s pronouns or making assumptions based on looks.

‘Pronouns are there to describe what we see and what we know’

But Debbie Hayton, a transgender campaigner who transitioned from male, feared the guide’s approach risks drawing attention to trans people and “policing thoughts”.

“It brings the whole concept of being a transsexual and transitioning in society into disrepute, we didn’t ask for this,” she said. “Pronouns are there to describe what we see and what we know.”

Dr Jane Hamlin, the president of the Beaumont Society, Britain’s oldest transgender support group, said: “I have not come across ‘emoji self pronouns’ previously, but if anyone I encounter indentifies with one or more of these, I would hope that I would respect their wishes.”

The Telegraph understands that a University of Bristol staff member was invited to a meeting with a senior diversity manager after objecting to being encouraged to add pronouns to emails, fearing that it undermined the concept of binary biological sex.

Drives to make pronouns visible have swept campuses in recent years. At Warwick University, lecturers are urged to type pronouns into a webpage to practice pronunciation.

Some institutions have rolled out pronoun badges for students to wear and launched anonymous reporting tools for incorrect usage.

‘No expectation staff must commit every pronoun to memory’

A University of Bristol spokesperson said it was “committed to gender inclusion. The correct use of pronouns is important to some members of our University community. The information on our website is designed to help people understand the different variations and nuances that this covers”. 

They added: “There is no expectation that staff must commit every possible pronoun to memory. Using pronouns on email signatures or as part of meeting introductions is not a mandatory requirement.

“Ms Rosario Sanchez has chosen to take legal action against the University. Given this, we will not comment further. All concerns about harassment or bullying are taken seriously and action taken in accordance with our University policies. If staff or students have concerns or complaints, we encourage them to raise them directly with us.”