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What is a gender neutral replacement for man, guys, buddy, etc? (lemmy.ca)

submitted 8 months ago* (last edited 8 months ago) by MajorMajormajormajor@lemmy.ca 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!” 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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[–] Abird1620@sh.itjust.works 3 points 8 months ago (1 children)

Isn't that also for dudes?

[–] golden_zealot@lemmy.ml 3 points 8 months ago (1 children)

Not inherently to my knowledge.

It is a modification of 'fellows', fellows etymology coming from 'late Old English fēolaga ‘a partner or colleague’ (literally ‘one who lays down money in a joint enterprise’), from Old Norse félagi, from fé ‘cattle, property, money’ + the Germanic base of lay1.'

Colloquially, the term might often reference men, but I cant find any evidence it is exclusive to them.

[–] Abird1620@sh.itjust.works 2 points 8 months ago (1 children)

Not only was this response well written, I enjoyed the fact. Thanks for making my day through a little factoid.

[–] golden_zealot@lemmy.ml 2 points 8 months ago

No worries, have a good day :)