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Original poster

To use the word "guys" to refer to people

201 replies

AliceAbsolum · 07/02/2021 19:22

When referring to a mix of gendered people is there anything wrong with saying:

"Hey guys"

"Nice one guys"

"Guys, shall we catch up soon"?

Is it sexist against women? I don't know what opinion to have, so wise vipers please tell me your thoughts.

OP posts:
user1471517900 · 07/02/2021 19:23

Fine here.

Cloudybeanie · 07/02/2021 19:23

I don't see it as gendered language to be honest, if I was in a group and they addressed us as guys I wouldn't be arsed. I wouldn't use it myself though, as I know not everyone feels the same, and there are plenty of other words readily available that can easily be used instead.

Bilgepumper · 07/02/2021 19:24

I use that phrase myself, nothing wrong with it.

peapotter · 07/02/2021 19:25

I do this all the time. Cant really see the problem with it.

It’s a lot more sexist if you speak a gendered language like Spanish, where the group is female (hi girls) until one male joins it (hi guys)

Language has various gender biases, but I can’t get worked up about it compared to the big issues.

NotFrozen · 07/02/2021 19:25

I’ve only ever heard complaints about it on mumsnet. In the real world it’s fine

HTH1 · 07/02/2021 19:26

The voting isn’t clear but I also don’t care about this.

Five67Eight · 07/02/2021 19:28

Apparently it’s very much Not OK on Mumsnet, meanwhile in the real world, I hear it and use it myself.

CeeceeBloomingdale · 07/02/2021 19:29

Are you on YouTube making a video? If not, it’s not ok

Tal45 · 07/02/2021 19:29

I use it sometimes didn't know it was a problem x

Original poster
AliceAbsolum · 07/02/2021 19:31

@CeeceeBloomingdale

Are you on YouTube making a video? If not, it’s not ok
Why is it OK on YouTube?
OP posts:
BikeRunSki · 07/02/2021 19:31

I used to use it at work. I was asked not to by someone who didn’t feel it appropriate.

I have used everyone, folks or team since.

GrimSisters · 07/02/2021 19:32

One if the chirpy young people I used to work with would use this expression all the time.
She was very into amdram and it showed.
So no, please don't use it - for no other reason than it really, really grates.

CeeceeBloomingdale · 07/02/2021 19:33

@AliceAbsolum it’s not somewhere I’d be so I won’t hear it! Every YouTube clip I’ve ever had the misfortune to overhear seems to start “Hi guys, so...”

TroysMammy · 07/02/2021 19:33

I dislike it. However I watch Simon Hurley craft on Youtube and he says "Hi dudes and dudettes" I look past it because I enjoy his channel and he's not actually referring to me personally.

TheGoogleMum · 07/02/2021 19:34

I used to say it and now try not to. I dont think of it as meaning men only but if other people feel it does then I dont want to make women feel excluded

Original poster
AliceAbsolum · 07/02/2021 19:35

[quote CeeceeBloomingdale]@AliceAbsolum it’s not somewhere I’d be so I won’t hear it! Every YouTube clip I’ve ever had the misfortune to overhear seems to start “Hi guys, so...”[/quote]
Ha. Amazing. I partly ask because DH and I vlogging and I don't like starting with that phrase!

OP posts:
Original poster
AliceAbsolum · 07/02/2021 19:35

@GrimSisters

One if the chirpy young people I used to work with would use this expression all the time. She was very into amdram and it showed. So no, please don't use it - for no other reason than it really, really grates.
Sounds hideous.
OP posts:
SarahAndQuack · 07/02/2021 19:36

I wouldn't use it myself because it'd be frowned upon at work.

There is some evidence to indicate that if you remind girls of their gender just before getting them to do a task perceived as a 'masculine' skill, they'll perform less well. I teach, and it seems to me even if there's only a tiny effect, it's worth considering.

WorraLiberty · 07/02/2021 19:36

I don't really think of it as gendered anymore but for some reason, it really makes me cringe.

Metabigot · 07/02/2021 19:37

I use it, see it as a unisex thing when applied to a group of people. No biggie...

Purplecatshopaholic · 07/02/2021 19:37

I don’t think of it as gendered, and use it all the time.

DinosaurDiana · 07/02/2021 19:37

It’s fine by me.

Isitbedtimeyet4 · 07/02/2021 19:38

I didn’t see it as gendered, but only because it was such a normal part of my vocabulary... but then recently I’ve been following a series about a transgender women who said it always just makes her feel a bit low because it is often used as gendered and so she tried to avoid it - although she rarely mentions it as people aren’t trying to be mean. Since then I’ve been trying to make a conscious effort to say everyone instead!
Personally it’s no trouble for me to swap the word and if it make someone feel a bit better about themselves then I’m happy to!

OllietheOwl · 07/02/2021 19:38

I call everyone guys! My friends, male, female, mixed groups, my kids, my parents! I really don’t overthink it...
I also use “dudes” a lot - again, in every situation! It doesn’t mean I’m implying everyone is male.

Mellonsprite · 07/02/2021 19:38

I think it’s fine, I say to mean a group of people too.