Yes, you can say "hi guys" to a girl. "Hey guys" is considered quite informal and, importantly, absolutely gender-neutral. [12-Nov-2020, Preply] While some might find it slightly less formal than other greetings, its use with a group of girls, or mixed gender groups, is widely accepted and commonplace. The sentiment that it's inappropriate is outdated, stemming from a time when the term "guys" was more strictly associated with males. [Quora, 2015] The term's gender neutrality is increasingly recognized and its usage is common, even in more formal contexts. [Preply, 2020]
However, context matters. In highly formal situations, a more professional greeting like "Hello everyone" or "Good morning" might be preferable. [Reddit, 2023] If you're aiming for maximum inclusivity, alternatives like "Hi everyone," "Hi team," or "Hi folks" offer broader appeal. But using "hi guys" with a single girl or a group of girls is perfectly acceptable in most casual settings. [Reddit, 2023; Quora, various]
While some individuals might still take offense, this is less a reflection on the inherent gender neutrality of the phrase and more a matter of individual preferences or sensitivities. [Reddit, various; Quora, various] The widespread use of "guys" as a gender-neutral term supports its appropriateness in the majority of social interactions.
Alternatives to "Hi Guys"
While "hi guys" is generally acceptable, here are some alternative greetings that may be considered more inclusive or formal depending on the context:
- Hi everyone: A universally inclusive option suitable for all settings.
- Hello everyone: A more formal alternative.
- Hi team/group: Appropriate for professional or collaborative settings.
- Hi folks: A friendly and informal option.
- Good morning/afternoon/evening: Classic and respectful greetings suitable for most situations.
