Posted June 21, 2018
muntdefems: As the OP has been answered, I'll just go and ask it since I'm genuinely curious: once, a (masculine) guy from Texas told me that 'guys' is a gender-neutral vocative, or at least it's now used as such. As in, I could say "hey, guys" to a group of only females and they would see it as OK. Isn't that so?
EDIT: I see toxicTom agrees with that acquaintance of mine. :P
It varies depending on local culture. EDIT: I see toxicTom agrees with that acquaintance of mine. :P
There are definitely areas / groups I would not try to use it as a gender neutral term, because it really isn't.
There are areas / groups where it's a bit odd to use it for a mixed gender group but not a big deal and no one will mention it.
Y'all, everyone, and just leaving out group descriptors (ex, Hi! I have a question) are always neutral and often a better choice.