We are NOT ‘you guys’

I can't stand it being used repetitively on TV programmes to a middle-aged couple, but at lunchtime in a pub tne other day the ages in our party ranged from 13 months to 75 years and embraced both sexes. In the circumstances, "you guys" seemed the best solution for the waiter.

I don't mind 'you guys', makes me feel young! I've noticed that lots of younger people, in Ireland especially, say 'lads' to refer to any group of people of whatever gender. 'Guys' might be passing into linguistic history...

I don't mind the term at all. Language is evolving and while I don't like some of the changes I am having to accept they happen.

Honestly? I don't give a shit what people call me, as long as the intention is good.

It doesn’t bother me. I’d rather be referred to as “you guys” than “you biddies”!

Deedaa, that's a great thing to read, your young doctor have an "incomparable" consultant as his role model. I can name three senior managers and four paediatricians who were that kind of role model for me, nearly 50 years ago.
That's one of the reasons that we shouldn't force older staff into early retirement in the ridiculous round of cuts next time. Younger staff need experienced, calm, sensitive, strong, skilled older members of staff to help them become the best they can be. Role Models!

Iam64 my lovely young doctor has a very good example in his consultant, who I have seen described as "Incomparable"

annodomini - I haven't been to Kenya but on my two visits to India, had the same experiences of being Memsahib, Mr iam became Sahib.
I like the French use of madame, and the American ma'am. In the absence of that kind of tradition here, I wish we'd introduce it. If not, I'm happy with 'you guys'

I'd much rather not be addressed as 'ladies'. In Kenya, we were always addressed as Memsahib and the men were Bwana. Didn't really like the echoes of the Raj and imperialism, but that was how it was.

Well said Iam64

Imagine, you're a young person, working in retail, maybe at car phone warehouse, long days, not much financial return. You are friendly and helpful, sometimes greet people with a smile and a 'hello, how can I help you guys'. The response is to snub your friendly approach.
Deeda - so good to read that the 'lovely young doctor' did a good piece of work talking you and your daughter through the palliative care arrangements x

Give me 'you guys' over the patronising 'sweetheart' any day. Though Ive never rebuffed anyone who called me that it's always been some overworked, rushing NHS member of staff so what's the point of being unfriendly to what is meant as a friendly greeting>

The lovely young doctor talking DD and me through the palliative care arranged for DH today called us you guys throughout and I really couldn't have cared less.

Must say I don't care for 'you guys', esp. in restaurants and to mixed parties of well over 60s!
I don't go to upmarket eateries very often, but you'd never hear it in one of those.

In Egypt the chap who took us in his boat on the Nile called me 'Mama'.
My mother (about 80 at the time) was 'Big Mama' - big as in 'grand(mother)'. She was highly tickled.

When I was much younger and working in Arab countries, other staff (nearly all male) who didn't know my name would call me 'Sister'. I thought it was lovely.

I went into Carphone Warehouse today with my husband and was greeted with, " How can I help you guys?" I told the shop assistant that I wasn't a guy.

I have no problem with 'you guys'...in fact I use it myself as Sir said ..Scottish origins maybe?

But

Marmight....so agree with the 'we' scenarios. In a restaurant "Have WE decided what we want?" ERm...yes I have not sure about you lol! or even worse in a hospital..."How are WE today?"

Another of my pet hates is people asking me in a shop "Are you alright there?" Even when am the only person stood at the counter waiting to be served! Why? Why not say what can I get for you? I have said "yes, yes, I am fine stood here thank you" then they don't know what to say....but as every single person in the world says it now........have had to accept it is just a phrase!

Yep we are a funny lot with our likes/dislikes.

But I don't dislike terms of endearment like Love, Darling, Pet, Duck (depending where you are) Today I was called 'Flower' on way home from holiday. I knew then I was in Yorkshire as it reminded me of that Charlie Williams bahaha

I take it none of those who complain of Americanisms ever use the word okay/OK?

You guys is very common around these parts. I rather like it.

Working in Yorkshire and speaking to my boss on the phone I inadvertently called him love.

The next day I received a memo saying 'I am not your love, I am your Regional Director'. That was me told.

I can't imagine anything less bothersome. At least your DD is contacting you - who cares what phrase she uses ? Many people on this forum are in despair because their adult children don't speak to them . I'm just happy to talk to my DD - I couldn't care less what words she uses to describe me.

Nearly as divided as Brexit
I don’t think of ‘guys’ in this context as male or female just a word for a group I think all the ‘againsts’ need to stop being so literal
(Can’t sleep for the wind)

Marydoll I am happy to be a 'guy'! Language is constantly changing and that waitress has successfully managed to avoid sexism, racism, ageism and many other 'isms' that I'm not even aware of (or should I say 'of which I am not aware'). This is the way the world is at the moment and it will probably change again even in the limited time we have left!!

The thread that never sleeps! Quite a few of us are on late tonight!
I was in a restaurant today and the waitress addressed two, very elderly ladies as, "You guys!" Why?

...or say was you talking to me...
Whoa...
If people are going to point out their dislike of Americanisms, it's as well to do it using the correct English.

Certainly not Guys.
I'm not a male nor one of the boys and I've politely but firmly said so.

Imagine being out with female friends, all over 50, and being addressed as guys.
I'm not in favour of Americanisms.

i hate that too. everything is hey you guys. thats an american saying ,i am english .i usually dont answer. or say was you talking to me.?
i hate being called love or darling by people i dont know.