Usage of the word "guys" as a generic, non-gendered colloquialism for a group of humans

[WearySky]

@caze

In Ireland we use ‘Yiz’ quite frequently, though usually with a certain amount of disdain (e.g. ‘would yiz fuck off’) - it’s both plural and singular, it’s a corruption of another corruption, ‘yous’, and in Dublin in particular also has a related form for both ‘your’ and ‘your are’, ‘yizzzer’ (e.g. ‘Jacinta, yizzer dinner is ready’).

I don’t think I’ve ever heard any of my Dublin friends say “yizzer”. Never seen yiz written out, but that one is extremely common.

Also, “lads” is very often used as a gender-neutral term, at least among the group of folks I know (mostly Rathfarnhamites, or thereabouts).

[penguinchris]

I think this is a case where we can choose our battles, and not worry about this particular case of gendered language, because in US English there isn’t a universally good alternative. I mean, y’all is fine (“Y’all is FIIINE!”) but most people outside the south are just never going to use it seriously. At this point, I feel like “you guys” has legitimately been stripped of the gendered language issue (which does remain a problem worth considering for most other gendered language) despite still being gendered.

I still feel weird using it. But then like Donald:

@Donald_Petersen

I’m uncomfortable using a whole lot of forms of address. I feel weird addressing “Mister” Anybody or “Ms.” So-and-So… and only feel slightly better addressing “Doctor” Whatshername and “Officer” Overforce.

I am exactly the same. I also am uncomfortable using peoples’ names (like saying “Hey Donald, could you look at this”) so I may be weirder than he.

[ChuckV]

@penguinchris

I also am uncomfortable using peoples’ names (like saying “Hey Donald, could you look at this”) so I may be weirder than he.

I’m not uncomfortable using people’s names, but I have a real tendency not to. Enough so that I’m in danger of actually forgetting friend’s names.

[wrecksdart]

Someone mentioned Bottle Rocket the other day, and you’re posting Repo Man? But it’s such a nice day to be outside, not watching old mooooovvvviiiiiiieeeeesssss.

[penguinchris]

Yeah - same - even my extended family, haha.

[popobawa4u]

@wrecksdart

Someone mentioned Bottle Rocket the other day, and you’re posting Repo Man? But it’s such a nice day to be outside, not watching old mooooovvvviiiiiiieeeeesssss.

What I did was put my hand on the wall, and drag it along the surface as I walked around the house, and through the door to the yard, and back again. It became apparent to me that it is the same continuous surface all of the way through! The house is not a container with a discrete “inside” and “outside”, but rather a sort of topological manifold. Any distinction of inside/outside appears to be purely arbitrary!

[jerwin]

A chance mention of Strange Maps prompted me to rebinge this fascinating blog. And lo and behold, a map of Dudes, pals, buddies and bros

[jerwin]

Random guy at protest for jailed potsmoker makes best argument for legalizing weed

In Australia cunt can be thought of as interchangeable with dude. Conversation I always remember having was: “How was the surf?” “It was fucken great I was the only cunt out there” - Also gets used to refer to unfortunate people as in: “Poor cunt lost both his legs in a motorcycle accident”. Neither is meant as derogatory. Female colleague of mine likes to leave work with a “Fuck you all, you’re all a bunch of cunts” with smile on her face. All that said if you utter it with enough venom it can …

[OtherMichael]

Well, yes, but they’re Australian; it’s not like they’re human.

[crashproof]

I think of “all y’all” as an emphatic version of y’all. If y’all is a general plural “you”, “all y’all” is “every last one of you.”

“Y’all get over here” might be an invitation. “All y’all get over here” is an order.

[popobawa4u]

That’s fine, so long as they don’t change the quantity of people they are ordering around, because that process is patented…

Stupid patent for the ages: "Changing order quantities"

[Permalink]

[hhype]

Philadelphia ruins this with “youse guys”, while Pittsburgh “fixes” it with “yinz”.