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What is a gender neutral replacement for man, guys, buddy, etc? (lemmy.ca)

submitted 8 months ago* (last edited 8 months ago) by [email protected] to c/[email protected]

414 comments fedilink hide all child comments

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.

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[–] [email protected] 31 points 8 months ago (3 children)

'round here "guys" has become gender neutral. But "folks" is my go-to.

[–] [email protected] 4 points 8 months ago (1 children)

Guy is actually from the proper name Guy, variant of Guido. It was originally used as a mild insult, refering to Guy Fawkes, infamous terrorist.

I think "guys" is perfectly gender neutral, in the same way "you idiots" is.

[–] [email protected] 2 points 8 months ago

Haha love it.

[–] [email protected] 4 points 8 months ago (3 children)

Same. And i will die on the hill that dude is gender neutral. Dudette sounds like a mini dude, and no way am i calling into question any dudes "dudeness" on account of their gender.

[–] [email protected] 4 points 8 months ago (1 children)

My 8 yr old grand daughter calls everyone "bro". Including her mom!

[–] [email protected] 3 points 8 months ago

Thats my point! My cis woman SO? dude. My trans woman friend? dude. Shes no longer with us, but my very very princess like girl dog? fucking dude.

I feel like i def call my SO, bro, too.

[–] [email protected] 3 points 8 months ago

I subscribe to the "Goodburger" school of thought on the subject: I'm a dude, you're a dude, he's a dude, she's a dude, we're all dudes.

[–] [email protected] 2 points 8 months ago* (last edited 8 months ago) (1 children)

What about El Duderino, if you're not into the whole brevity thing? 😁

[–] [email protected] 1 points 8 months ago

Yes to receiving, no to giving. :p

[–] [email protected] 2 points 8 months ago

Similarly over here. But also with man, dude, men.

I can be saying that to anyone or anything and not have a gendered meaning to it.