this post was submitted on 05 Mar 2024

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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.

(page 5) 50 comments

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[–] current@lemmy.ml 5 points 8 months ago

"Hello, losers"

[–] muntedcrocodile@lemmy.world 5 points 8 months ago

Mate Cunts Dickheads

[–] TGhost@lemmy.ml 5 points 8 months ago* (last edited 8 months ago) (2 children)

Dude its OK for me because you Know, the dude.

Pacifist as fuck, its a good name then. I don't feel it like man, etc. Even the majority when using it don't think about lebowski.

If i name someone dude, there is more than "man" behind. But I'm maybe wrong ?

Edit : oh sorry realized plurials.

People fine for me, its just an habit to change really. Or hey guys and girls or better, hey girls and guys 😂

But as non English speaker I could use dude for the group, and a my lady for her, if there is an fellow trans with me. Not others ofc. Will check thé answers for real lol

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[–] InputZero@lemmy.ml 5 points 8 months ago

I've found a lot of success using pal for the individual and folk for the group. Such as "Jesse is my pal", or "Hey folks."

....oh shit. Palworlds a thing now. Don't use pal.

[–] Crankpork@beehaw.org 5 points 8 months ago

"Hey gang!"

[–] bready2die@lemmy.blahaj.zone 4 points 8 months ago

gamer(s)

[–] pruwybn@discuss.tchncs.de 4 points 8 months ago (6 children)

"Buddy" is gendered?

[–] dead@sh.itjust.works 4 points 8 months ago

i only use buddy for dogs and puppies

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[–] Swallowtail@beehaw.org 4 points 8 months ago

Y'all Y'uns Fuckers

[–] Yerbouti@lemmy.ml 4 points 8 months ago

Alley cats

[–] JayDee@lemmy.ml 4 points 8 months ago* (last edited 8 months ago) (2 children)

apes!

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[–] dukatos@lemm.ee 4 points 8 months ago

You people

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