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.

      • TheAlbatross
        5·
        9 months ago

        People sometimes say that English is easier to learn than Mandarin because the latter has a lot of intonation specific meaning, but there’s a very clear difference between “Hey, buddy!” (jocular) that you say to a long loved friend and the “Hey, buddy!” (pejorative) you say to the guy who steals your grocery cart.