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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[–] 351 points 2 years ago (12 children)
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    [–] 172 points 2 years ago (41 children)
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    [–] 123 points 2 years ago (18 children)

    A lot of people use “folks” for plural.

    I feel like “guys” is fairly un-gendered but people disagree with me. Personally, I haven’t used the word “guys” to refer to anything male in what seems like forever.

    “Bud” and “fella” are good singulars.

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    [–] 87 points 2 years ago (26 children)

    A wise man once said, "I'm a dude, he's a dudes, she's a dude. We're all dudes. Hey!"

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    [–] 87 points 2 years ago (7 children)

    In Australia the gender-neutral term is ‘Cunt’.

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    [–] 52 points 2 years ago (4 children)

    Try the following for groups:

    Hey folks, how's it going?

    Listen up assholes!

    Greetings, gumshoes

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    [–] 49 points 2 years ago (1 child)

    "Fuckers" is gender-neutral.

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    [–] 48 points 2 years ago (2 children)

    What's up, cunts

    Works best if they're your friends and also you're in Australia

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    [–] 47 points 2 years ago (1 child)
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    [–] 47 points 2 years ago

    "Foolish mortals" is my go-to gender neutral form of address

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  • [–] 47 points 2 years ago (9 children)

    I’m AFAB enby, saying “you guys” and calling me “dude” is fine. Those to me aren’t gendered anymore. The people who get offended at general terms like these for groups of people need to touch grass.

    But if you’re dead set on it, embrace y’all lol. Just don’t say it with a southern drawl and you’ll be fine. It’s a fantastic gender neutral term. You can also just train yourself not to add in the “you guys” to the “what’s up” phrase, and maybe just say “what’s up with you?” “What’s up with you all?” Etc.

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  • [–] 32 points 2 years ago (4 children)

    "Offended" is a bit of a strong word.

    Many trans folks are, understandably, bummed out when gendered terms that refer to their AGAB are used to refer to them.

    I don't think there's anything wrong with trying to avoid causing that brief moment of dysphoria. That just feels like a thoughtful and kind thing to do.

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    [–] 44 points 2 years ago (3 children)

    The simplest approach is to accept language is inherently gendered, and at a certain point it is exhausting to either take offense to everything or walk on eggshells.

    I’m southern, so I use y’all almost exclusively lol

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    [–] 41 points 2 years ago
    [–] 39 points 2 years ago
    [–] 38 points 2 years ago (2 children)

    Everypony.

    An oft overlooked option that leaves no one indifferent.

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  • [–] 37 points 2 years ago (4 children)
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    [+] 37 points 2 years ago* (last edited 1 year ago) (1 child)
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    [–] 35 points 2 years ago*

    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.

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  • [–] 32 points 2 years ago (2 children)
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    [–] 31 points 2 years ago (7 children)

    I find "y'all" works pretty well, so does "folks" or even better "Fellow Workers."

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    [–] 31 points 2 years ago (9 children)

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

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    [–] 29 points 2 years ago (6 children)

    I mean buddy is already gender neutral.

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    [–] 28 points 2 years ago

    Fellow kids

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  • [–] 27 points 2 years ago (14 children)

    Man, guys, buddy, etc

    Just use them as gender neutral. Done.

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    [–] 26 points 2 years ago (5 children)

    I say y'all. It's inclusive.

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    [–] 25 points 2 years ago (8 children)

    "Citizens". It has the added benefit of implying that you're an authority figure and they're in trouble.

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    [–] 25 points 2 years ago (3 children)
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    [–] 24 points 2 years ago (1 child)
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    [–] 23 points 2 years ago (6 children)

    Earthlings is the only valid option

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    [–] 22 points 2 years ago (1 child)

    I use "folks" a lot. "Howdy folks." I am also a Tarheel so I can get away with y'all. And howdy.

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    [–] 22 points 2 years ago (1 child)

    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.

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    [–] 22 points 2 years ago

    "My fellow great ape"

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  • [–] 21 points 2 years ago

    Folks or Everyone tend to be my go to.

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  • [–] 21 points 2 years ago (1 child)

    folks, y'all, youse

    friends / friend

    comrades / comrade

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    [–] 21 points 2 years ago

    Cheese bags.

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  • [–] 20 points 2 years ago (6 children)

    Dude.

    I'm a dude. He's a dude, She's a dude. We're all dudes.

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