So I’ve realized that in conversations I’ll use traditional terms for men as general terms for all genders, both singularly and for groups. I always mean it well, but I’ve been thinking that it’s not as inclusive to women/trans people.
For example I would say:
“What’s up guys?” “How’s it going man?” "Good job, my dude!” etc.
Replacing these terms with person, people, etc sounds awkward. Y’all works but sounds very southern US (nowhere near where I am located) so it sounds out of place.
So what are some better options?
Edit: thanks for all the answers peoples, I appreciate the honest ones and some of the funny ones.
The simplest approach is to just drop the usage of guys, man, etc. Folks for groups and mate for singular appeal to me when I do want to add one in between friends.
Both my partner and I use “dude” interchangeably for all genders. They’re NB for context
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All the alternatives make me cringe.
If someone is insulted that you use the term “guys” for a group, they’re not worth being friends with. That’s a lot of exhausting mental energy to deal with. Ignore 'em and move on.
chum
comrade
cumsplats
People here are not understanding that language changes with location
Later Cheesebags!
*Stay Fresh Cheese Bags
That’s the one!
Peeps
Note: You will sound like a tool if you say this.
Everyone, you all, y’all
Meatbags?
My go-to is folks, but 1000 others have mentioned that already. So I will throw in “people”.
“Hey people, how’s it going?”
That works for me
Folks or Everyone tend to be my go to.
Guys is always fine as it refers to followers of Guy Faulks and pretty much anyone has probably considered blowing up parliament at some point.
My darlings, tell me everything.
Buddy is masculine?
Could be. Depends on a bunch of factors. But as a trans person I’ve never encountered someone who’s trans and feels that it’s masculine.