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You're not wrong to wonder about this, and even if it's off topic, I appreciate your asking about it. As others explained, it is common usage in American Engli

You're not wrong to wonder about this, and even if it's off topic, I appreciate your asking about it. As others explained, it is common usage in American English. The bigger problem to many contemporary readers may be the (I am sure unintentional) sexism in the phrase "my guys". Instead of "Every one of my guys says", another way to say it would be "Everyone on my team says". Or maybe even better, "My teammates all say". Of course we have to keep in mind that these are all just late night off-the-cuff comments, so some gaffes may be expected and accepted. Edit to address the thoughtful replies below: I think whether "guys" is gender neutral or not depends on the context and culture. Informally and in personal conversation, sure, if the "guys" in question don't mind it. Here on HN, doesn't matter too much. In formal writing or business communication, it would be something to avoid.

jraph 5y ago
Is "guys" gender-neutral in some contexts? Maybe specific to some areas? It seems used by women for designating women at times.
dkdbejwi383 5y ago
“Guys” in my experience is just as gender-neutral as “teammates”, “people”, “folk”, etc. I’d address a group of all women as “guys”, e.g. “hey guys, you alright?” And if someone else used the word referring only to men I’d probably not clock that unless they clarified after
- mingusrude 5y ago
  "I'm going to a club to watch some guys taking their clothes off". Gender neutral?
  - dkdbejwi383 5y ago
    I mean, yeah, but its awkward and unnatural phrasing. Try "I'm going to a club to watch some folk taking their clothes off", or "I'm going to a club to watch some teammates taking their clothes off" as well and see how unwieldy and cumbersome they are.
JasonCannon 5y ago
>(I am sure unintentional) sexism in the phrase "my guys". I generally try and be mindful of stuff like that, and were there any women on my team I wouldn't have used guys. Unfortunately covid plus unrelated personal issues caused the only woman on my team to have to resign last year. I do sincerely hope I can get some women to apply this hiring round, because diversity is important to me.

jraph 5y ago

Is "guys" gender-neutral in some contexts? Maybe specific to some areas? It seems used by women for designating women at times.

dkdbejwi383 5y ago

“Guys” in my experience is just as gender-neutral as “teammates”, “people”, “folk”, etc. I’d address a group of all women as “guys”, e.g. “hey guys, you alright?” And if someone else used the word referring only to men I’d probably not clock that unless they clarified after

mingusrude 5y ago
"I'm going to a club to watch some guys taking their clothes off". Gender neutral?
- dkdbejwi383 5y ago
  I mean, yeah, but its awkward and unnatural phrasing. Try "I'm going to a club to watch some folk taking their clothes off", or "I'm going to a club to watch some teammates taking their clothes off" as well and see how unwieldy and cumbersome they are.

JasonCannon 5y ago

>(I am sure unintentional) sexism in the phrase "my guys". I generally try and be mindful of stuff like that, and were there any women on my team I wouldn't have used guys. Unfortunately covid plus unrelated personal issues caused the only woman on my team to have to resign last year. I do sincerely hope I can get some women to apply this hiring round, because diversity is important to me.