guys

You guys is a colloquial phrase used primarily in American English as a second-person plural pronoun to address a group of people. Because standard English utilizes "you" for both singular and plural contexts, speakers historically developed regional strategies to distinguish between addressing one person and a group (such as "y'all" in the South or "youse" in various urban centers). "You guys" emerged in the mid-20th century, originating in the Midwest and Northeast, and eventually became the dominant casual standard for plural address across much of the United States and Canada.

Usage of the term is contested regarding gender inclusivity. Those who find it acceptable often argue that the phrase has undergone semantic bleaching, a linguistic process where "guys" has lost its specific male denotation in this context to function as a truly gender-neutral collective. For many, it is simply a habit of friendliness. Conversely, critics and advocates for inclusive language argue that because a singular "guy" refers to a man, the plural retains a male-coded default (androcentrism). They contend that using it for mixed-gender or non-male groups subtly reinforces the male experience as the universal standard, potentially causing women or non-binary individuals to feel excluded or misgendered.

Example:
"Are you guys ready to order, or do you need a few more minutes?"

Example:
"I'm going to the park if you guys want to come along."