this post was submitted on 05 Mar 2024
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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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[–] cyborganism@lemmy.ca 159 points 1 year ago (9 children)
[–] JoMiran@lemmy.ml 63 points 1 year ago (3 children)

Y'all doesn't get enough love. It is gender neutral and extremely versatile.

[–] sxan@midwest.social 17 points 1 year ago (1 children)

I agree. It's the plural of "you" that should be the official standard, since it disambiguates "you." It can even be broadened to include larger groups via "all y'all," as in, not just y'all in talking to, but all y'all in the house.

It can replace "guys", but not "man," though.

[–] jungle@lemmy.world 13 points 1 year ago

The plural of you is yous or ye. In Ireland at least.

[–] Purplexingg@lemmy.world 2 points 1 year ago (2 children)

I can't do it, I don't want to sound like I'm from the South.

[–] Zitronensaft@feddit.de 4 points 1 year ago

If everyone starts using it, it won’t sound southern any more. C’mon, you know you want to.

[–] hglman@lemmy.ml 1 points 1 year ago

Take it from them!

[–] xmunk@sh.itjust.works 0 points 1 year ago (1 children)
[–] azimir@lemmy.ml 0 points 1 year ago (1 children)
[–] cyborganism@lemmy.ca 1 points 1 year ago

I'm under the impression that you pronounce it the same way this cat looks.

[–] Pulptastic@midwest.social 9 points 1 year ago (2 children)
[–] NigelFrobisher@aussie.zone 3 points 1 year ago (1 children)

Youse if you’re a Geordie.

[–] BlueEther@no.lastname.nz 2 points 1 year ago

further down under you may hear "hey, yous lot..."

[–] survivalmachine@beehaw.org 2 points 1 year ago

Or if you're near Pittsburgh, "yinz" is the proper spelling/pronunciation.

[–] TheGiantKorean@lemmy.world 8 points 1 year ago

And, for larger groups, all y'all.

[–] ieightpi@lemmy.world 7 points 1 year ago (2 children)

I use y'all a lot and im near Chicago

[–] Cagi@lemmy.ca 15 points 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year ago) (1 children)

I've started using it and I'm Canadian.

[–] greenhorn@lemm.ee 8 points 1 year ago (1 children)

I've started using it and I'm north of Canada ... In Detroit

[–] azimir@lemmy.ml 3 points 1 year ago (2 children)
[–] greenhorn@lemm.ee 6 points 1 year ago

At a more northern latitude than part of Canada. Detroit is directly north of part of Canada

What in the world. They need to fix that on the next patch.

[–] Nemo@midwest.social 1 points 1 year ago

Me too, but I'm from 'round Minnesota so it's more like ja'll.

[–] Emma_Gold_Man@lemmy.dbzer0.com 7 points 1 year ago (1 children)

For those not in the US south and afraid of being judged, "all" on its own is an option.

"Hi all" is unlikely to raise any eyebrows

[–] MBM@lemmings.world 1 points 1 year ago

"Hi everybody!"

[–] inb4_FoundTheVegan@lemmy.world 1 points 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year ago)

Bingo. I use y'all for everything. Even the singular. It's casual, neutral and relaxed.

[–] Carighan@lemmy.world 0 points 1 year ago (1 children)
[–] cyborganism@lemmy.ca 1 points 1 year ago

"Hey y'all, Scott here."