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.
In Australia the gender-neutral term is ‘Cunt’.
While a great word, in my neck of the woods that wouldn’t go over well.
Be the change you want to see in the world.
Yeah, I only call my friends cunts. Most Americans would not be too happy to be on the receiving end of this one.
You never specified which neck (chin?) of the woods was applicable.
I thought it was mate
I stand corrected.
There’s, cunts, good cunts, sick cunts, and shit cunts.
Apply as needed.
not for people you like
It’s really context dependent.
Mate can actually be far more hostile and negative than cunt ever is.