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What is a gender neutral replacement for man, guys, buddy, etc? (lemmy.ca)
submitted 2 years ago* (last edited 2 years ago) by to c/asklemmy@lemmy.ml
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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!โ€ 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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[โ€“] 13 points 2 years ago* (last edited 2 years ago) (1 child)

I'm also on Team "these words have lost their meaning" but often feel opposite to OP's intent

When people go out of their way to force inclusive language to a degree that feels unnatural, and especially when I'm the only trans person in the room, it feels like I'm being singled out for my identity. It's extra uncomfortable when they make (often incorrect) assumptions about my body while doing so.

That said, I will also never fault someone for trying to be inclusive, and ofc always respect other people's preferences.

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