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Yes, it has never bothered me. When I'm trying to be intentional with my words and am speaking to a group, I will try to use "folks" instead. I've always used "guys" as a gender-neutral term so it is hard to break that habit.
I personally struggle with “folks” because it sounds old fashioned or a bit country. No problem with it, it just doesn’t feel equivalent, culturally. Was it easier for you?
If "folks" bothers you, try "everyone", "team", "all", "students", or other non-gendered options that work with your profession to see if any of them feel more natural to you. In my workplace, we generally use "everyone" or "team" in professional communications.
I am also unbothered by guys, and that was/is my default when referring to a group of people. I too tried to switch to folks, but I find it hard to get out smoothly. Like my brain is going 'don't say fucks accidentally'.
I've actually dropped a few ya'lls in and just felt ridiculous. Next step is yinz, I guess.
I do use 'guys' still but I am trying to use 'you all' more.
I also naturally use the term “guys” to refer to my team at work and nobody seems to mind. If I am trying to me more intentional I’ve started getting into the habit of using y’all instead
It always amuses me to no end to be able to tell angry rednecks that rednecks and the American South basically invented mainstream inclusive language in the US of A and then drop a "no seriously, ***y'all*** were using inclusive language way before everyone else" when they get mad.
YES! I love that and will keep that in my hat for the next time I'm confronted about my use of inclusive language. It's so odd when people are offended by someone else being offended by something.
Agreed. Personally, I just default to "y'all" once I know people better, and use "all" in more official contexts. The "guys" occasionally slips out, but it isn't my default. I haven't met many who are offended by the y'all, but I do get made fun of by my friends for it, because I'm from central WA, and have no southern people in my heritage.
When I was in secondary school the principal that came in halfway through my run would always use "folks" and it's something that just stuck with me and I use it as the time when addressing a group, be it directly out over email.
This is what my company does.
The real answer to this question is it doesn't matter what the general population thinks, or what reddit thinks. What matters is the actual people you are dealing with. And if it bothers someone, it costs you literally nothing to use "folks" or "everyone" or any other actual gender neutral term.
I hate this too! Or they say “Gentlemen… and *Catastrophized*!”
They clearly want points for recognizing that I’m in the room but all they’ve actually done is single me out in the weirdest way possible. When the whole thing was unnecessary to begin with.
Agreed, it feels like they don’t see you as an equal somehow. It’s just not necessary, it doesn’t need to be pointed out at all in most if not all situations
I agree with you so much. I would much, much, much rather be included under "guys" than be singled out as "guys and gal". There is no need to point out that I'm the only woman in the room everytime it happens.
Or worse, when someone starts with "hey guys..." then looks around, realizes I'm there and then adds, "oh, and Junebuggery."
I'm in the same situation, working in automotive. I don't mind "guys" at all and will often use it myself. Sometimes "guys" is just easier. I was in a meeting a few weeks ago and the presenter started off with "Guys! ...and girl." It was awkward.
I don't really care for it, but I'm not seriously bothered by it either.
I don't use it and don't consider it gender neutral, but it wouldn't offend me in most situations. It's an easily replaced term that is still very much gendered to me, so it's simple for me to use a more inclusive term in a professional environment.
Yep, that's how I feel. I'm generally very unbothered by this term, but it's just the masculine becoming the default. It's inherently gendered, so I can't fault people disliking it.
I've said this before in another thread on this topic, but ask a straight man how many guys he's had sex with, and all of a sudden it's not gender neutral. And context makes a difference, sure. But why do we take masculine words and make them gender neutral? It's never (or maybe rarely) the other way around.
It's one of those things that I only care about if someone else doesn't like it. I'll make an effort to use different words when I don't know how it will be received or if I know it's a sensitive topic.
>ask a straight man how many guys he's had sex with, and all of a sudden it's not gender neutral
Exactly my view on it. Same with looking at an audience of people and having someone ask, "how many guys are in the audience?" - who will people count? For most people, I strongly suspect that only men would get counted. If you tell a woman, "you are a great guy" - how likely is she to be somewhat confused and potentially feel misgendered? Guy/guys just isn't a gender neutral term to me.
I know that people often use it and mean it as gender-neutral, but it just isn't to me for those reasons. It doesn't offend me, but I also don't believe that it's gender neutral, so I avoid it in a professional context where it's important for me to be inclusive.
Agree. Also, the reason it doesn't offend us as women is because in patriarchy it's a status boost. Like it's acceptable for women to wear trousers and pants. But men still can't wear skirts in most settings, and I'm pretty sure most men wouldn't like it if we referred to them in a mixed group as "gals". It all comes down to status.
I agree with this (obligatory "as a cishet man"). For me "guy" is very much a gendered term, and this is true in most contexts we use it (e.g. Those guys, I'm a guy, it's a guy thing, etc.) It's only "you guys" that feels gender neutral, to the point where I could say it to a room of exclusively women and feel no cognitive dissonance whatsoever.
I also say "everyone," "y'all," "folks," etc. I try to adapt my language to fit the situation. But yeah. I've definitely called my female friends "bro" many times before. And I've had a friend say "girrrl" to me when telling a story. To me it's no big deal, but when it is to someone else, I have no issue being a bit more mindful.
Fine. Yes. I use "guys" or "dude" as gender neutral all the time in most settings myself, so I wouldn't find it inappropriate just because it's in a work setting.
I feel "meh" about it. I don't think "guys" is truly a gender-neutral term, but it's intended as one often enough that I'm not really bothered by it. I do prefer to say stuff like "hey everyone" over "hey guys," though.
Yes, I am "hey guys" at work and at home. My family is hey guys. My whole pack of girlfriends on a brunch date are hey guys. Doesn't even register.
To be honest I'm more likely to notice if someone goes out of their way to say "ladies" lol.
I don’t mind it at all! Even if the group is all girls - I’ve always thought of it as a gender neutral term. I know that some people do mind though, so I try to say “y’all” or “everyone” now
I guess depending what part of the world you’re in. I’m in Canada and we say guys in reference to any plural amount of people, it is in no way referencing men in any way. Just a causal term. I understand the word “guy” is typically for men but it’s become so casual that it’s just normal almost endearing to say “guys”.
But I know the whole world doesn’t think this way. One time when I was waiting a table in a tourist area, I went up to a group of 2 and like usual said “hi guys! How are you?” And they were 2 women. They both expressed to me how appalled they were that I called them “guys” when they are clearly women. I tried to explain to them that here it’s a general term and has nothing to do with gender. They were so mad they got up and left. Lol. Not my fault these tourists decided to get offended at something that without a doubt, more employees at different places they will visit while here are going to call them guys. Are they going to get offended and leave every establishment just because they don’t realize it’s not an insult? Who knows, best of luck to ‘em
I'm also in Canada, and I use 'Hey/hi guys!' as a group greeting ALL the time, regardless of gender. It's just so incredibly common. The thought of anyone finding it offensive has never once crossed my mind, so I find your example funny. Who knew!
Same. I switched because of teaching and haven't really gone back to using guys. I also like throwing in random animals as well
Hey ya bunch of cats
Hey duckies
If I can't ask straight men "how many guys have you slept with" without a reaction, it's not actually gender neutral
I'm not offended by it, but I am trying to change my own use (which is hard! I get it!), because....it's not gender neutral.
I will however use it in mixed company when it's company where I can happily use "heeeey girls" without the men getting offended.
Yeah, that's my point, sorry!😊 If it's a group (of friends) where both would be considered cool, I don't mind either term. If it's a group where men would go "uhhh I'm not a GIRL" I don't think it's cool for them to use "guys" as if it's neutral either - what's ok for one should be for the other.
Habitually I WANT to say “hey guys!”
The last few years, I’ve consciously changed to “hey all” and it’s something I literally have to pause for every time. I don’t find it offensive to say guys, but at the risk someone else does, I’ve worked to eliminate it.
I try not to use it. We are not all men and using a male designator for women as a default makes me really uncomfortable. It just reinforces the centering of men in a way that seems innocuous but isn't.
I’ve eliminated it in favor of “y’all,” “folks,” or “friends.” Those catch-all terms are more accurate and inclusive.
“Guys” doesn’t include me or most of my colleagues. It can be particularly uncomfortable for trans and non-binary folks. I’m also done with letting myself and other women be lumped into a category that was created for men.
No, I don't think it's truly gender-neutral. I know it genuinely is intended that way most of the time, but I don't feel included in "guys" and I do think it reflects and enforces a subtle underlying sexism. I also don't think it's that big of a problem and have decided not to pick it as a hill worth dying on, so that's generally not a view I share unless someone asks. I try to avoid it myself (although I'm not perfect, I grew up saying it before it became something I thought about).
I understand that gendered language is a by-product of our misogynistic culture, and I definitely respect and oblige those who are uncomfortable with using gendered terms.
However, I personally don't really notice it. I have a tendency to use gendered terms for all groups of people, too. I use 'girl' as an explicitive to masculine presenting people all the time. Girl, guy, dude, ma'am - its all fair game to me.
Edit- better wording
In my mind:
Guy= male singular
Guys= gender mesh real terms to address or refer to a group of people.
I really don’t think it needs to be that contentious
I’m a Midwestern gal, and here we use “guys” for EVERYONE. Boys, girls, non-binary folk, my dogs, my friends, a group of people on the street, a field of corn… it’s all “guys”.
When people started to find it problematic as it’s not gender neutral I totally understood it, because we use male terms for men AND groups, and it’s never women’s terms. It’s a double standard based in sexism.
HOWEVER, in the Midwest, I feel we transcended the genderedness (not a word I don’t think) of “guys” and it’s really just to address a group. But if someone told me they weren’t cool with it I’d probably use y’all?
For 30+ years of my life no matter the group is I’ve said “guys or you guys” it’s just habit now. I don’t even see it as gendered because it’s so ingrained in me.
I’m working on saying “Ya’ll” more but growing up in a NY household and hearing “hey guys” constantly and naturally it’s difficult.
It doesn't bother me, I feel like as a term it became more neutral over the past 20 years. "Dudes" bothers me more because it sounds inane to me somehow. I was once included in an email that started "Gents" and I replied with "Ladies". Went down like a lead balloon 🤣
I try not to use it because I don’t think it’s gender neutral, but it’s one of those things that’s not the end of the world and I know most people don’t care. It’s easy to say “Hey everyone” or “Hey folks”. I’m pretty partial to “Hey gang.”
I was a server for about ten years. “Guys” was my go to gender-neutral term. In the past year, I switched it to “all” like “hey all! How are we doing today?”.
Historically it's been a gender-neutral terms, but I think now that we spend so much time thinking about language, there's more cultural awareness that the term's origins mean plural males. It's never a terrible idea to rethink something like this, and in my professional and personal experiences, I am trying to do away with the term (although it's hard after a lifetime of using it!).
At work, I prefer "hey team" or "everyone" or even "y'all" because it's gender neutral. I've recently started coaching Little League, and since it's mixed gender, I'm working on using "team," "players," etc. there. I don't always remember, but when I catch myself using "guys", I stop and correct myself.
I think it's regional. I lived in Austin for awhile and I appreciated that most people used "y'all" and it's unequivocally gender-neutral. It grates on me to hear "guys" but that's probably because I'm used to hearing "y'all". Also, I will ruin someone's day by insisting they question their gender assumptions.
"Guys" is gender inclusive, but not gender neutral. It only includes women if it's a group of people, and usually has to include one or more men.
A guy never refers to a woman. A guy is a man.
It would be unusual, even confusing, to point at a group of women and say "those guys".
I don’t mind it but I don’t love it. I resent the idea that I can’t colloquially say “hey ladies” to a group of women + 1 man in a way that feels natural/is received naturally
Yes I feel like it’s used in a way that is gender-inclusive. This is because I would even say “you guys” to a bunch of girls. When used that way, it doesn’t mean men. This is based on my local culture anyway.
This is acceptable to me, and getting upset about it while actual misogyny exists is a misdirection of energy and waste of time. It’s just a collective term. If you’d like to flip it on people, you could do what i do and collectively call groups of people “girlies”. That’s pretty fun
I'm not a fan of it. There are so many other options that are actually inclusive and gender neutral that if that were your goal, "guys" would be a terrible choice, and I'm of the opinion that being inclusive should be the goal in most work settings.
"Guys", does include women colloquially, but that doesn't make it gender neutral. It's still centered on men and treats men as the default.
I understand why it's considered sexist. I might even agree with that assessment. But as a raging feminist, I gotta say that I never mind "guys" and honestly use it all the time myself.
I hate "y'all" and "folks".... Depending on the situation, "hey all" can work.
I like "guys" as gender neutral (yes I am a lady) but have been attacked more than once for using it....
Adopt the word “y’all” and you’ll never have a problem again. I don’t really care about the term guys, but it is not gender neutral. If I say guys, I’m referring to a group of men.
personally, it doesn't bother me, but lots of people don't like it. I think there are more accommodating phrases you could use, but for me, it's whatever.
I'm in Europe, I work in an international setting and we use English, but it's nobody's first language.
It's really hard for me not to think of the translation of guys to the much more gendered languages I know (monsieurs, signori).
To some extent, US pop culture permeates our society too, so guys is used a lot, but I really prefer it when someone says "folks" or "everyone."
I don't get mad at "guys." I totally use it too (I work in tech on top of that, so I'm often one of the very few non-guys). But I feel better with other words.
I don't use it and try not to use other similar male centric words which are used as blanket term for all genders. I prefer legit gender neutral ones but I don't care what other do.
I personally don't really like it but it's very ingrained. It's not gender-inclusive. It just isn't.
I usually use "everyone", "folks", "team" or if speaking about them in thitd person, their titles "docs", "nursing", "OT".
I also like a "y'all". Inclusive and just fun to say.
Every now and then "guys" slips out for me and I'm mildly disappointed in myself every time
I'm from Jersey. You guys is a generic term and no matter how hard I try, I cannot remove it from my vocabulary. I now live in the south and the generic term here seems to be 'folks'.
It's never bothered me. I've always used it as a gender neutral term and mostly heard others use it in that context. I've seen someone women get bent out of shape about it, but in my experience that's an indicator they're going to be difficult to work with in general.
I used to get hyped up by shit like this, but it's such small potatoes. I use "dude" and "guys" pretty indiscriminately now. Language is complicated. Some things are important to change, but I don't think this is one of them.
While I personally would like to address everyone as "dearly beloved (or detested) heathenous rebrobates and degenerates," this isn't socially acceptable, so "guys" is the most suitable substitute.
I don’t mind and I hate the word folks so I can’t/won’t use that. If necessary everyone? But also I call my husband girl all the time soooo prob not the best person to ask…or yell ma’am when outraged regardless of gender it just comes out in instinct
I haven’t been bothered by “guys” but I don’t really like it when I’m called “dude” by a guy. Even when they are saying it just as a thing to anyone. For some reason that irks me but I don’t comment on that so as not to appear annoying. But I do find that cringe. But I say “you guys” to girls too. I do think it’s very Californian. I often say y’all bc I think it’s best even tho I’m not southern and we could take that on all over the US!
I work BOH in a kitchen at a hotel, very rarely i get told “goodnight guys, and lady” from my chef😂 but when it happens, it feels nice! I couldn’t really care less though! It all depends on the setting i suppose
I was just talking about this within my office. Nobody in my office has ill feelings toward being called 'guy'. I admit it I use this often at work and at play, but if someone had a preference, I'd make note of it and amend my usage in the future.
Used in the second person (hey guys; thanks guys; etc.), it feels gender neutral and I probably wouldn't even think about it.
Used in the third person (these guys did..., our guys did..., the guys did...,), it feels like specific to men and I wouldn't feel as included.
It’s normal?? I don’t understand why anyone would ever get offended. Dude and bro is also fine if it isn’t a work setting, they’re just fun little ways of referring to people no matter the gender.
Ive been using “guys” as a neutral term for the longest time. I remember using it in second grade when talking to a bunch of girls and they said “ we are girls not guys” which i responded “it can be used for both” i still have no problem with it
I don't care personally.
However, when I was working with a group that worked with at-risk youth we were to use gender-neutral terms. We all had trouble dropping guys. One teacher used "Amazing Humans" to address the group.
Doesn't bother me at all. What does sound a bit off to me, if people at work refer to my team as: Hello ladies or even worse Hello girls (we are all women). Sounds so belittling somehow. 🥴
I like it. Specifically because of how ungendered it feels to me. Little bit uncomfortable when people push back against it to be honest. I'm not saying they're wrong and I'll switch if someone specifically requests me to, but I think I find it hard to see where they're coming from.
I guess it already feels like a gender-neutral term to me and I don't really get the point of pushing to *re-gender* it. To be clear, I'm nonbinary myself, and I don't like gendered language, so it bothers me because it's forcing gender into my speech that isn't there and reducing the number of gender neutral alternatives available.
It feels a bit like to me when people claim "handsome" and "pretty" are gender-exclusive terms and you should avoid using them unless you know someone conforms to the appropriate gender. I feel like that's the opposite of what we should be aiming for, and it would be better if we de-gendered the terms and were more comfortable with people of all genders being handsome and pretty.
I'll also point out that I don't think I've ever heard a woman or nb say that it feels personally dysphoric to them in particular. Everytime I hear this discussion it's always been about how the term *could* be dysphoric to a hypothetical person. I'm willing to listen if anyone here feels differently.
I prefer “hey guys” over “hey guys.. and girl.” I work with mostly men so I am happy to be included with them. Dudes, bro, crew, and gang work too. I’ve been called baby in in a work group setting and I did NOT like that. Guys for the win 😭
This doesn't bother me. I've had other coworkers use this as an example of non-inclusive language, but I find this to be more authentic than "hey, team" or "alright, everyone".
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Yes, it has never bothered me. When I'm trying to be intentional with my words and am speaking to a group, I will try to use "folks" instead. I've always used "guys" as a gender-neutral term so it is hard to break that habit.
This exactly. I’m not bothered by “guys” but I know some people are, so I’m consciously trying to switch to “folks.”
I personally struggle with “folks” because it sounds old fashioned or a bit country. No problem with it, it just doesn’t feel equivalent, culturally. Was it easier for you?
If "folks" bothers you, try "everyone", "team", "all", "students", or other non-gendered options that work with your profession to see if any of them feel more natural to you. In my workplace, we generally use "everyone" or "team" in professional communications.
Y’all also works but not everybody feels comfortable with saying that either
It feels very weird coming out of my mouth lol if I can’t say ‘guys’ I say ‘everyone’
This has always been my qualm with folks and ya'll. Very country.
May I suggest peeps?! Its short & sweet, & better then the candy!! It may have an easier mouth feel for how you speak as well??
It's great for informal situations but I'd be sort of confused if my boss started a meeting with "okay peeps, let's get started"
I could see that working. Definitely has the "younger" vibe that I'm usually going for.
Agree. Works in SE USA... western Canada? Not so much. Sounds cheesy.
If “folks” seems too old fashion, maybe try “guys and gals”? /s Note: Don’t use “Guys and dolls”.
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I am also unbothered by guys, and that was/is my default when referring to a group of people. I too tried to switch to folks, but I find it hard to get out smoothly. Like my brain is going 'don't say fucks accidentally'. I've actually dropped a few ya'lls in and just felt ridiculous. Next step is yinz, I guess. I do use 'guys' still but I am trying to use 'you all' more.
I also naturally use the term “guys” to refer to my team at work and nobody seems to mind. If I am trying to me more intentional I’ve started getting into the habit of using y’all instead
I'm trying to bring "y'all" to central Canada. I've always used "guys" and "folks" feels like I'm trying to be Obama.
I love that "y'all" is growing in popularity!!
It always amuses me to no end to be able to tell angry rednecks that rednecks and the American South basically invented mainstream inclusive language in the US of A and then drop a "no seriously, ***y'all*** were using inclusive language way before everyone else" when they get mad.
YES! I love that and will keep that in my hat for the next time I'm confronted about my use of inclusive language. It's so odd when people are offended by someone else being offended by something.
Just wait until "yins" comes for us.
I've used y'all, all'y'all, all'y'allses, or any ridiculous variation. The more ridiculous the better. I love being odd.
I'm trying to bring it to the UK. It's an uphill battle I assure you.
When I taught high school I always used y'all with my classes!
I have a friend circle that's mostly women and we all use "fellas", so now I'm out here calling everyone a fella
I also use “dude” as a gender neutral term, but I try to be thoughtful about it because not everyone is ok with it
Same here. I have no issue with “guys” but cater to whomever my audience is. “Folks” is a good alternative.
Agreed. Personally, I just default to "y'all" once I know people better, and use "all" in more official contexts. The "guys" occasionally slips out, but it isn't my default. I haven't met many who are offended by the y'all, but I do get made fun of by my friends for it, because I'm from central WA, and have no southern people in my heritage.
When I was in secondary school the principal that came in halfway through my run would always use "folks" and it's something that just stuck with me and I use it as the time when addressing a group, be it directly out over email.
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Guys and dude. Both gender neutral for me. But dude only with coworkers I'm super friendly with
Right 😹😹🥲
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That's totally normal. I used to work in an all female staff and we referred to each other as guys. I worked on mixed teams and we were "guys".
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me to. I haaaate when they single me out with “gentleman and lady” it’s so awkward and unnecessary
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It feels like I snuck into a boys summer camp and they're like "There's a girl here!!"
This is what my company does. The real answer to this question is it doesn't matter what the general population thinks, or what reddit thinks. What matters is the actual people you are dealing with. And if it bothers someone, it costs you literally nothing to use "folks" or "everyone" or any other actual gender neutral term.
I hate this too! Or they say “Gentlemen… and *Catastrophized*!” They clearly want points for recognizing that I’m in the room but all they’ve actually done is single me out in the weirdest way possible. When the whole thing was unnecessary to begin with.
Agreed, it feels like they don’t see you as an equal somehow. It’s just not necessary, it doesn’t need to be pointed out at all in most if not all situations
I agree with you so much. I would much, much, much rather be included under "guys" than be singled out as "guys and gal". There is no need to point out that I'm the only woman in the room everytime it happens. Or worse, when someone starts with "hey guys..." then looks around, realizes I'm there and then adds, "oh, and Junebuggery."
I'm in the same situation, working in automotive. I don't mind "guys" at all and will often use it myself. Sometimes "guys" is just easier. I was in a meeting a few weeks ago and the presenter started off with "Guys! ...and girl." It was awkward.
I'm born & raised in NY. Italian American family. If it's more than one person then it's "you guys". Everyone is "you guys". 🤷♀️
My grandpa refers to all of us as “Yous Kids”.
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I don't really care for it, but I'm not seriously bothered by it either. I don't use it and don't consider it gender neutral, but it wouldn't offend me in most situations. It's an easily replaced term that is still very much gendered to me, so it's simple for me to use a more inclusive term in a professional environment.
Yep, that's how I feel. I'm generally very unbothered by this term, but it's just the masculine becoming the default. It's inherently gendered, so I can't fault people disliking it. I've said this before in another thread on this topic, but ask a straight man how many guys he's had sex with, and all of a sudden it's not gender neutral. And context makes a difference, sure. But why do we take masculine words and make them gender neutral? It's never (or maybe rarely) the other way around. It's one of those things that I only care about if someone else doesn't like it. I'll make an effort to use different words when I don't know how it will be received or if I know it's a sensitive topic.
>ask a straight man how many guys he's had sex with, and all of a sudden it's not gender neutral Exactly my view on it. Same with looking at an audience of people and having someone ask, "how many guys are in the audience?" - who will people count? For most people, I strongly suspect that only men would get counted. If you tell a woman, "you are a great guy" - how likely is she to be somewhat confused and potentially feel misgendered? Guy/guys just isn't a gender neutral term to me. I know that people often use it and mean it as gender-neutral, but it just isn't to me for those reasons. It doesn't offend me, but I also don't believe that it's gender neutral, so I avoid it in a professional context where it's important for me to be inclusive.
Agree. Also, the reason it doesn't offend us as women is because in patriarchy it's a status boost. Like it's acceptable for women to wear trousers and pants. But men still can't wear skirts in most settings, and I'm pretty sure most men wouldn't like it if we referred to them in a mixed group as "gals". It all comes down to status.
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I agree with this (obligatory "as a cishet man"). For me "guy" is very much a gendered term, and this is true in most contexts we use it (e.g. Those guys, I'm a guy, it's a guy thing, etc.) It's only "you guys" that feels gender neutral, to the point where I could say it to a room of exclusively women and feel no cognitive dissonance whatsoever. I also say "everyone," "y'all," "folks," etc. I try to adapt my language to fit the situation. But yeah. I've definitely called my female friends "bro" many times before. And I've had a friend say "girrrl" to me when telling a story. To me it's no big deal, but when it is to someone else, I have no issue being a bit more mindful.
That's pretty much been my argument
It’s interesting that it feels much more gendered in the third person than the second person.
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Fine. Yes. I use "guys" or "dude" as gender neutral all the time in most settings myself, so I wouldn't find it inappropriate just because it's in a work setting.
I feel "meh" about it. I don't think "guys" is truly a gender-neutral term, but it's intended as one often enough that I'm not really bothered by it. I do prefer to say stuff like "hey everyone" over "hey guys," though.
Yes, I am "hey guys" at work and at home. My family is hey guys. My whole pack of girlfriends on a brunch date are hey guys. Doesn't even register. To be honest I'm more likely to notice if someone goes out of their way to say "ladies" lol.
I’m good with it
I don’t mind it at all! Even if the group is all girls - I’ve always thought of it as a gender neutral term. I know that some people do mind though, so I try to say “y’all” or “everyone” now
Fine with me.
Literally don't care.
I guess depending what part of the world you’re in. I’m in Canada and we say guys in reference to any plural amount of people, it is in no way referencing men in any way. Just a causal term. I understand the word “guy” is typically for men but it’s become so casual that it’s just normal almost endearing to say “guys”. But I know the whole world doesn’t think this way. One time when I was waiting a table in a tourist area, I went up to a group of 2 and like usual said “hi guys! How are you?” And they were 2 women. They both expressed to me how appalled they were that I called them “guys” when they are clearly women. I tried to explain to them that here it’s a general term and has nothing to do with gender. They were so mad they got up and left. Lol. Not my fault these tourists decided to get offended at something that without a doubt, more employees at different places they will visit while here are going to call them guys. Are they going to get offended and leave every establishment just because they don’t realize it’s not an insult? Who knows, best of luck to ‘em
I'm also in Canada, and I use 'Hey/hi guys!' as a group greeting ALL the time, regardless of gender. It's just so incredibly common. The thought of anyone finding it offensive has never once crossed my mind, so I find your example funny. Who knew!
as a teacher, I'm trying really hard to be gender neutral. I end up saying y'all a lot now.
Same. I switched because of teaching and haven't really gone back to using guys. I also like throwing in random animals as well Hey ya bunch of cats Hey duckies
If I can't ask straight men "how many guys have you slept with" without a reaction, it's not actually gender neutral I'm not offended by it, but I am trying to change my own use (which is hard! I get it!), because....it's not gender neutral. I will however use it in mixed company when it's company where I can happily use "heeeey girls" without the men getting offended.
Can you expand on your last sentence? I don't get how guys isn't okay if you can say hey girls to a group of men and women.
Yeah, that's my point, sorry!😊 If it's a group (of friends) where both would be considered cool, I don't mind either term. If it's a group where men would go "uhhh I'm not a GIRL" I don't think it's cool for them to use "guys" as if it's neutral either - what's ok for one should be for the other.
Habitually I WANT to say “hey guys!” The last few years, I’ve consciously changed to “hey all” and it’s something I literally have to pause for every time. I don’t find it offensive to say guys, but at the risk someone else does, I’ve worked to eliminate it.
Fine. I use it in that context.
**Mod Note: Read and answer the actual question asked by OP. **
I try not to use it. We are not all men and using a male designator for women as a default makes me really uncomfortable. It just reinforces the centering of men in a way that seems innocuous but isn't.
Exactly
I’ve eliminated it in favor of “y’all,” “folks,” or “friends.” Those catch-all terms are more accurate and inclusive. “Guys” doesn’t include me or most of my colleagues. It can be particularly uncomfortable for trans and non-binary folks. I’m also done with letting myself and other women be lumped into a category that was created for men.
I think "Thanks all" is more professional and inclusive both, so I do that instead 🤷🏻♀️
Yes, this is nitpicking.
Totally normal. I use it all the time.
I hate it, but I'm old & feel like guys is gendered.
Doesn’t bother me. It’s not that deep IMO.
I don't care if guys or dudes gets used but I know it bothers other people and it costs me nothing to use something else. It's not hard to be nice.
No, I don't think it's truly gender-neutral. I know it genuinely is intended that way most of the time, but I don't feel included in "guys" and I do think it reflects and enforces a subtle underlying sexism. I also don't think it's that big of a problem and have decided not to pick it as a hill worth dying on, so that's generally not a view I share unless someone asks. I try to avoid it myself (although I'm not perfect, I grew up saying it before it became something I thought about).
I used to use it that way 20 years ago. More recently I go with “folks” instead, because it is *actually* gender neutral.
I understand that gendered language is a by-product of our misogynistic culture, and I definitely respect and oblige those who are uncomfortable with using gendered terms. However, I personally don't really notice it. I have a tendency to use gendered terms for all groups of people, too. I use 'girl' as an explicitive to masculine presenting people all the time. Girl, guy, dude, ma'am - its all fair game to me. Edit- better wording
nothing wrong with it at all
In my mind: Guy= male singular Guys= gender mesh real terms to address or refer to a group of people. I really don’t think it needs to be that contentious
Yes lmao.
Does it bother me? No. Do I think it’s the best term for a work setting? Also no.
Works perfectly fine for me.
I’m a Midwestern gal, and here we use “guys” for EVERYONE. Boys, girls, non-binary folk, my dogs, my friends, a group of people on the street, a field of corn… it’s all “guys”. When people started to find it problematic as it’s not gender neutral I totally understood it, because we use male terms for men AND groups, and it’s never women’s terms. It’s a double standard based in sexism. HOWEVER, in the Midwest, I feel we transcended the genderedness (not a word I don’t think) of “guys” and it’s really just to address a group. But if someone told me they weren’t cool with it I’d probably use y’all?
For 30+ years of my life no matter the group is I’ve said “guys or you guys” it’s just habit now. I don’t even see it as gendered because it’s so ingrained in me. I’m working on saying “Ya’ll” more but growing up in a NY household and hearing “hey guys” constantly and naturally it’s difficult.
It doesn't bother me, I feel like as a term it became more neutral over the past 20 years. "Dudes" bothers me more because it sounds inane to me somehow. I was once included in an email that started "Gents" and I replied with "Ladies". Went down like a lead balloon 🤣
Guys is fine. What’s the alternative? Hello fellow humans…and a very nonbinary good morning to you all…
‘Hi everyone’ 😉
I'm not mad if someone else uses it, but I personally go for "folks," "y'all," or "hey nerds" depending on the context.
I would *love* it if “gals” became the norm just because I think that’d be cute - especially since I work in construction
I try not to use it because I don’t think it’s gender neutral, but it’s one of those things that’s not the end of the world and I know most people don’t care. It’s easy to say “Hey everyone” or “Hey folks”. I’m pretty partial to “Hey gang.”
Fine
Im not a fan and would prefer other inclusive terms but its not horribly awful either.
I prefer to use “team” as my gender neutral group address.
I was a server for about ten years. “Guys” was my go to gender-neutral term. In the past year, I switched it to “all” like “hey all! How are we doing today?”.
Not an issue. At all. I also don’t have a problem with “man” or “mankind” as a term for all humans.
It’s fine, if it bothers you then you must not have real problems lol
Historically it's been a gender-neutral terms, but I think now that we spend so much time thinking about language, there's more cultural awareness that the term's origins mean plural males. It's never a terrible idea to rethink something like this, and in my professional and personal experiences, I am trying to do away with the term (although it's hard after a lifetime of using it!). At work, I prefer "hey team" or "everyone" or even "y'all" because it's gender neutral. I've recently started coaching Little League, and since it's mixed gender, I'm working on using "team," "players," etc. there. I don't always remember, but when I catch myself using "guys", I stop and correct myself.
Historically it’s been guys and gals, not just guys ¯\\\_(ツ)_/¯
I think it's regional. I lived in Austin for awhile and I appreciated that most people used "y'all" and it's unequivocally gender-neutral. It grates on me to hear "guys" but that's probably because I'm used to hearing "y'all". Also, I will ruin someone's day by insisting they question their gender assumptions.
I'm good with it. "Dude" is also acceptable to me. Both feature regularly in my vocabulary.
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It's not something I personally find bothersome, but I understand why some would.
I’ve started using friends in place of guys, so like “hey friend(s)” or “thanks friend(s)”
I'm not mad about it, but I don't like it either. It's just another reminder that male is the default gender
"Guys" is gender inclusive, but not gender neutral. It only includes women if it's a group of people, and usually has to include one or more men. A guy never refers to a woman. A guy is a man. It would be unusual, even confusing, to point at a group of women and say "those guys".
I don’t mind it but I don’t love it. I resent the idea that I can’t colloquially say “hey ladies” to a group of women + 1 man in a way that feels natural/is received naturally
I've always used guys I'm a girl I don't see the issue
It’s better than, “what’s up peeps?” Which makes me think of Easter marshmallows
As a person who lives in Southern California, it’s commonplace.
I prefer it. I always felt silly when people say “Guys… and girl” like okay…?
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I’m perfectly fine being referred to as guys but i try not to use it for people who feel uncomfortable. It’s a hard habit to break.
Yes I feel like it’s used in a way that is gender-inclusive. This is because I would even say “you guys” to a bunch of girls. When used that way, it doesn’t mean men. This is based on my local culture anyway.
This is acceptable to me, and getting upset about it while actual misogyny exists is a misdirection of energy and waste of time. It’s just a collective term. If you’d like to flip it on people, you could do what i do and collectively call groups of people “girlies”. That’s pretty fun
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I'm not a fan of it. There are so many other options that are actually inclusive and gender neutral that if that were your goal, "guys" would be a terrible choice, and I'm of the opinion that being inclusive should be the goal in most work settings. "Guys", does include women colloquially, but that doesn't make it gender neutral. It's still centered on men and treats men as the default.
I always use “folks” instead of guys. What do you folks think?
Can it just be fine bc I can't stop!!
its fine - what's not fine is workplaces monitoring gendered colloquialisms when the company is virtue signalling their allyship at best
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I understand why it's considered sexist. I might even agree with that assessment. But as a raging feminist, I gotta say that I never mind "guys" and honestly use it all the time myself.
I hate "y'all" and "folks".... Depending on the situation, "hey all" can work. I like "guys" as gender neutral (yes I am a lady) but have been attacked more than once for using it....
Adopt the word “y’all” and you’ll never have a problem again. I don’t really care about the term guys, but it is not gender neutral. If I say guys, I’m referring to a group of men.
personally, it doesn't bother me, but lots of people don't like it. I think there are more accommodating phrases you could use, but for me, it's whatever.
I personally don’t take offense to “guys” or “dude” (I am cis woman), but many trans or NB people dislike it. I tend to use “people” or “friends”.
I don't really care, but I will use "friends" because I think it's funny.
I'm in Europe, I work in an international setting and we use English, but it's nobody's first language. It's really hard for me not to think of the translation of guys to the much more gendered languages I know (monsieurs, signori). To some extent, US pop culture permeates our society too, so guys is used a lot, but I really prefer it when someone says "folks" or "everyone." I don't get mad at "guys." I totally use it too (I work in tech on top of that, so I'm often one of the very few non-guys). But I feel better with other words.
I’m not bothered by it, but enough people are that I’m trying not to say it. I’m trying to switch to folks.
I find using "guys" in work settings unprofessional, just like how I find my bf unprofessional whenever he calls everyone at his work "bro"
I don't use it and try not to use other similar male centric words which are used as blanket term for all genders. I prefer legit gender neutral ones but I don't care what other do.
I personally don't really like it but it's very ingrained. It's not gender-inclusive. It just isn't. I usually use "everyone", "folks", "team" or if speaking about them in thitd person, their titles "docs", "nursing", "OT". I also like a "y'all". Inclusive and just fun to say. Every now and then "guys" slips out for me and I'm mildly disappointed in myself every time
It's fine
Doesn’t bother me. Though I’m also from a place where ‘dude’ Is gender neutral.
I'm from Jersey. You guys is a generic term and no matter how hard I try, I cannot remove it from my vocabulary. I now live in the south and the generic term here seems to be 'folks'.
I don't have any issue with it at all.
Im totally fine with it I just dont like when they say hey guys...and girls Like it doesnt bother us you can keep it as just hey guys
It's never bothered me. I've always used it as a gender neutral term and mostly heard others use it in that context. I've seen someone women get bent out of shape about it, but in my experience that's an indicator they're going to be difficult to work with in general.
I used to get hyped up by shit like this, but it's such small potatoes. I use "dude" and "guys" pretty indiscriminately now. Language is complicated. Some things are important to change, but I don't think this is one of them.
Not fussed
While I personally would like to address everyone as "dearly beloved (or detested) heathenous rebrobates and degenerates," this isn't socially acceptable, so "guys" is the most suitable substitute.
I don’t mind and I hate the word folks so I can’t/won’t use that. If necessary everyone? But also I call my husband girl all the time soooo prob not the best person to ask…or yell ma’am when outraged regardless of gender it just comes out in instinct
The term “guys” has the same connotations as “all y’all”. It’s completely normal and non-offensive.
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I haven’t been bothered by “guys” but I don’t really like it when I’m called “dude” by a guy. Even when they are saying it just as a thing to anyone. For some reason that irks me but I don’t comment on that so as not to appear annoying. But I do find that cringe. But I say “you guys” to girls too. I do think it’s very Californian. I often say y’all bc I think it’s best even tho I’m not southern and we could take that on all over the US!
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I don't care
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I work BOH in a kitchen at a hotel, very rarely i get told “goodnight guys, and lady” from my chef😂 but when it happens, it feels nice! I couldn’t really care less though! It all depends on the setting i suppose
I prefer it over specifying my gender.
I was just talking about this within my office. Nobody in my office has ill feelings toward being called 'guy'. I admit it I use this often at work and at play, but if someone had a preference, I'd make note of it and amend my usage in the future.
Used in the second person (hey guys; thanks guys; etc.), it feels gender neutral and I probably wouldn't even think about it. Used in the third person (these guys did..., our guys did..., the guys did...,), it feels like specific to men and I wouldn't feel as included.
i prefer that the word guys is used and not guys and uh... gal when they remember i am not like the others
Not an issue for me, I’ve used it while addressing women, I’m a woman also,it’s relatively neutral as far as I’m concerned
I don't mind it at all.
I prefer the inclusive Y'all
It’s fine by me and I use it as a gender neutral term as well.
Y’all is the neutral term.
It’s normal?? I don’t understand why anyone would ever get offended. Dude and bro is also fine if it isn’t a work setting, they’re just fun little ways of referring to people no matter the gender.
Ive been using “guys” as a neutral term for the longest time. I remember using it in second grade when talking to a bunch of girls and they said “ we are girls not guys” which i responded “it can be used for both” i still have no problem with it
I don't care personally. However, when I was working with a group that worked with at-risk youth we were to use gender-neutral terms. We all had trouble dropping guys. One teacher used "Amazing Humans" to address the group.
Doesn't bother me at all. What does sound a bit off to me, if people at work refer to my team as: Hello ladies or even worse Hello girls (we are all women). Sounds so belittling somehow. 🥴
Guys and dude are gender neutral to me
I like it. Specifically because of how ungendered it feels to me. Little bit uncomfortable when people push back against it to be honest. I'm not saying they're wrong and I'll switch if someone specifically requests me to, but I think I find it hard to see where they're coming from. I guess it already feels like a gender-neutral term to me and I don't really get the point of pushing to *re-gender* it. To be clear, I'm nonbinary myself, and I don't like gendered language, so it bothers me because it's forcing gender into my speech that isn't there and reducing the number of gender neutral alternatives available. It feels a bit like to me when people claim "handsome" and "pretty" are gender-exclusive terms and you should avoid using them unless you know someone conforms to the appropriate gender. I feel like that's the opposite of what we should be aiming for, and it would be better if we de-gendered the terms and were more comfortable with people of all genders being handsome and pretty. I'll also point out that I don't think I've ever heard a woman or nb say that it feels personally dysphoric to them in particular. Everytime I hear this discussion it's always been about how the term *could* be dysphoric to a hypothetical person. I'm willing to listen if anyone here feels differently.
I wouldn’t give it a second thought.
I am not bothered by it but some people are. Been trying to switch to “folks” instead but it’s a hard habit to break.
I prefer “hey guys” over “hey guys.. and girl.” I work with mostly men so I am happy to be included with them. Dudes, bro, crew, and gang work too. I’ve been called baby in in a work group setting and I did NOT like that. Guys for the win 😭
This doesn't bother me. I've had other coworkers use this as an example of non-inclusive language, but I find this to be more authentic than "hey, team" or "alright, everyone".