Is it appropriate to refer to females collectively as 'guys'?

[Deleted]

Whenever I refer to females in groups, I usually use the word 'guys' instead of 'girls' as it just sounds more natural to me. However, sometimes females correct me and say "I'm not a guy, I'm a girl!". I guess it's similar to how humanity as a whole is called man, irrespective of gender. In fact, I think if I referred to them as 'women' or 'females' then it would be considered sexist or condescending. But I want the MMO-C opinion on this issue!

So say for example a few girls make me a sandwich, and I say:
"You guys are really good cooks."
or
"You women are really good cooks./You females are really good cooks./You girls are really good cooks."

What would be the most appropriate way to highlight their culinary abilities?
Thanks.

[Willeonge]

You're all really good cooks.

[StationaryHawk]

Frankly, I've found that the word "guys" has become mostly gender-neutral in the correct circumstances. Perhaps it wasn't what the word was originally intended for, but it's certainly become a popular use for it.

You're all really good cooks.

This would be an appropriate way to say it, too.

[Darnash]

I've done it a few times, then wanted to smack myself for what I consider a "slip". If I'm addressing a group of girls, I use "girls". It may feel more natural to say guys, but girls sounds better after you say it.

[Video Games]

If they say I'm a girl, not a guy when you say guys, they are just attention whores anyway so pay no attention to them.

[Aristeia]

I think it's fine, if they have a problem with it they're being overly PC or whatever label you want.

[Faunwea]

I'm a girl and I refer to everyone as 'guys'.

[Tribunal]

I do it all the time, and it doesn't bother me.

Is it "correct"? No, I guess. But I don't even think I'd hesitate even if the group was majority/completely female.


However, I do tend to slide towards "person" or other neutrals in formal context (though man and especially mankind doesn't exactly bother me and I have used it, I just tend to go the other way). But in colloquial conversation? Who cares?!

[Clockwork Pinkie]

Being MANkind, I say it's acceptable. Girls that don't like it just want attention. "I'm a GIRL! Gosh! I must prove it every chance I get!"

[lifeinblack]

at least where i live, you call a group of people "guys" no matter if they are all males, all females, or mixed. you only call a group of females girls if they are actually little girls. same with the word boys. everybody who is not a child is "guys". you could also say "ladies". ie "you ladies are good cooks".

[Sunseeker]

I don't think I've ever had any group of girls object to me referring to them as "guys".

[Qprah]

I say 'guys' when talking to both males and females. To me, 'guys' is just a group of 'friends' in this situation.


If a girl/woman makes a fuss over it, she is probably just being an attention whore or is insecure or some shit.

[Deleted]

If you say "you girls are really good cooks" you're highlighting they skill to cook, but if you're saying "you women/females are really good cooks" you're highlighting not the skill but they being women able to do it as opposed to men. i guess just like if you said "you men are really good cooks" you'd be highlighting men as opposed to women. maybe guys n gals is just neutral to gender or age range, as saying men r good cooks could also be opposed to boys or children ! but in general.. just say guys if there is a man amongst. if it's only girls, no point saying guys is there?

[Erik765]

Move to texas so you can say y'all instead?

[vindicatorx]

I say guys and really if a girl got bent out of shape over it I would ignore her and continue.

[Splenda]

I'm female, and I, personally, don't mind being referred to as "guy" or "dude" or even the occasional "bro". I say "you guys" at my female friends all the time, and I use "dude" frequently regardless of gender. That's me though, others might not feel the same way.

To avoid saying anything gender-ish, you can always say "You all are good at cooking/ You are all good cooks."

[Deleted]

i say guys, for example, if i enter a LFD i say "hey guys!" if someone gets pissy about it i will say sorry. the term "guys" seems to be used to refer to a group of people nowadays though, i usually say it when i am out with friends / family and theres girls in the group, they dont mind, most of them say it aswell. just easier than saying "hello men and women!" and sounds better than "hello people!"

[Veyne]

Guys is a pretty gender-neutral term these days, unless in specific situations. I say gays, and if a girl gets bent out of shape about it, I tell her to get over herself and my use of gender-neutral terminology.

[kittenboots]

"guys" is fine, i've never found it offensive or whatever -- i even say it myself when referring to a group of girls. i really don't understand why other girls sometimes get bent out of shape about it, lol.

[Aeka]

Try this line:

"You future members of my sexual harem are good cooks!"

If they object, ask if they'd prefer you use the term "guys."