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Being called a 'Guy'

(180 Posts)
Mazgg Fri 20-Oct-23 11:38:00

I have noticed recently when out with a male friend waiters (in several establishments) ask "What can I get you guys".
We are both in our 80s and it seems comical to be classed as Guys. When with a female friend it's usually Ladies, which is fine. What's wrong with just asking "what can I get you" with a smile?
Oh dear, now I sound like a grumpy old woman!

NotSpaghetti Sat 21-Oct-23 13:36:29

Quokka, I don't think anyone is "worrying" about it. grin

Quokka Sat 21-Oct-23 13:37:48

NotSpaghetti

*Quokka*, I don't think anyone is "worrying" about it. grin

Venting about it then?

NotSpaghetti Sat 21-Oct-23 13:41:13

I suppose there will always be turns of phrase/words we don't like.

I think people are just chatting about it mainly.

Galaxy Sat 21-Oct-23 15:34:05

Yes I have just had a chat about puddings and parking. Sorry if that doesnt meet peoples high standards grin

Dickens Sat 21-Oct-23 17:05:58

Quokka

NotSpaghetti

Quokka, I don't think anyone is "worrying" about it. grin

Venting about it then?

Quokka, this topic is on the "CHAT" forum.

In spite of everything that's happening in the world - and here at home- people do still just chat.

The fact there's a few pages of comments on the matter doesn't mean that anyone's overly concerned about it - people just like to have their say. I doubt anyone on here is actually 'worried' about the matter.

I bet those commenting are worried about the more serious 'things' you seem to think they should be focusing on. But no one can live life on that razor's edge all the time. So can we just be left to chat about the inconsequential things without being chided for it?

Still, at least you didn't say... "first-world problems" grin.

M0nica Mon 23-Oct-23 15:28:12

If, by putting my mind to it, and eschewing all casual conversation, or touching on profane subjects I could resolve the current conflict in the middle east, or the Ukrainian war, I would.

But I can't. Meanwhile my ordinary everyday life goes on, and, while being called 'guys' worries me not, other things do - and those are the things that I am actually experiencing in my everyday life.

On the front line when being bombed, or cowering in a safe room, praying not to be killed, I am sure no one is talking about the irritation of being called 'guys'. But thankfully for most of us that is not our situation and it is these little things that are the grit in our oysters.

RosiesMaw Mon 23-Oct-23 16:16:26

Let’s be more precise.
OP has not been called “a guy” but was in a group addressed as “you guys”
It may be a tiny difference, but I think it is significant.
If a server were to refer to me as “this guy” as in”this guy ordered a latte “ I would take exception, I am not a guy.
However “Hi guys, “ “or what can I get you guys” is not the same thing, but an informal, friendly greeting and one I like.
Does anybody else see what I am getting at?

Germanshepherdsmum Mon 23-Oct-23 16:37:42

I do and I entirely agree.

AreWeThereYet Mon 23-Oct-23 19:33:34

RosiesMaw I agree with you.

Baggs Mon 23-Oct-23 19:43:37

RM, yes. People think too much about words and not enough about the meaning of the words used. Tone and context matter too.

So, yeah, complaining does come across as 'gow'-ish.

I've noticed DD1 always refers to her close friend group as "my mates". This is a similar word usage that some might object to but everyone – even disapprovers – knows what the 'word usage' means. and that's what counts.

Baggs Mon 23-Oct-23 19:46:39

PS I got called 'pal' today by someone delivering something to us. It's a local usage and doesn't bother me in the slightest even though, technically, I'm not his pal and neither are most of the other people he uses that sobriquet for.

Hithere Mon 23-Oct-23 20:13:25

I get "dude" and "bro" sometimes- they make me crack up

Marthjolly1 Mon 23-Oct-23 20:14:14

Being called or referred to as 'guys' has been around so long I got used to it decades ago, it has never bothered me at all. Although I don't think I have ever used it myself. However I do say 'girls' quite a lot and now I'm thinking perhaps I shouldn't as it does seem to be very unpopular terminology?

M0nica Mon 23-Oct-23 20:46:40

I just think we should stop taking exception to every little thing and just let things flow over.

It is a bad habit that i assume parents have picked up from adult children, taking exception to anything, no matter, how trivial, that anyone says that does not accord totally with their value set.

NotSpaghetti Mon 23-Oct-23 20:58:29

I suppose some of us, (I obviously include me) thought we were just chatting about words and phrases we don't like.
It doesn't impact on our lives!

I think we should have a quiet place to converse without people thinking we ate overly troubled.

There are whole lists of things I don't much like to be truthful -
The American term for behind "in back"
"Can I get" at a restaurant
"my truth"
"No offense, but.."
"Epic"
"Preggers"
"literally"

I could probably think of more.

lixy Mon 23-Oct-23 21:01:06

As long as a greeting is cheerful and friendly I don't much mind what I'm called - I like the inclusive feel of 'guys' now that it has become a gender-neutral term in everyday speech.

I did giggle at being called 'duck' recently.

I do agree MOnica; teflon shoulders have their uses at times and make for a much smoother life.

nadateturbe Tue 24-Oct-23 10:52:01

Of course there are nanna8 but we can still chat about little annoyances.🙂
I think calling females guy sounds weird.
I am still a girl at times.

henetha Tue 24-Oct-23 10:52:57

There's an American expression which I expect many of you hate, but I think it's apt..
"Don't sweat the small stuff"

Oopsadaisy1 Tue 24-Oct-23 11:41:40

Many (many) years ago the lady I worked with always came in to the office in the mornings with a cheery ‘hi guys’ she was lovely and no one cared.

It’s never bothered me.

Sara1954 Tue 24-Oct-23 22:13:55

I work in a predominantly male environment, and am often called Mate, not keen, but not offended either.

grannyro Wed 25-Oct-23 11:27:58

I prefer that to "girls"! At 74 it is a long time since I was a girl and I find it patronising.

Koalama Wed 25-Oct-23 11:28:26

Myself and others use this at work, (mainly woman) it included the little children dren then to, the boys and girls, I don't mind it, tbh

Amalegra Wed 25-Oct-23 11:34:56

I always refer to my grandchildren (three girls, one boy) as ‘the guys’. I used to defer to my three children (two girls, one boy) in the same way. I think it sounds bright and friendly and not too formal. I wouldn’t mind at all if someone included me when using that term. Actually at 67, I’d think it rather funny!

Summysoom Wed 25-Oct-23 11:35:44

I agree. Really irritates me but worse is when a young man or woman in a shop or restaurant calls me ‘dear’ and says ‘bless you’. I give them the hard stare with a fixed smile.

Jane621 Wed 25-Oct-23 11:36:13

I really don't think it is a big thing to worry about. Language evolves and it is the younger generation that usually drive the changes. The funniest reply I had in a restaurant was after we had all placed our orders the young waiter said 'Legend'! and went off to the kitchen. LOL.