Yes, you can say "guy" for a girl, as it's commonly considered gender-neutral in English.
The term "guy" has evolved over time, and while historically it referred to a male, it's now often used to address or refer to a person of any gender. This shift in usage makes it a generally accepted term in many informal contexts.
Here's a breakdown:
- Gender Neutral Use: As the reference states, the word "guy" has become gender neutral.
- Common Usage: It's frequently used to refer to a group of people of mixed genders or to an individual without specifying their gender.
- Informal Context: Typically, it's more common in informal settings and conversations.
Here's a table summarizing the shift in meaning:
| Term | Historical Meaning | Modern Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Guy | A male person | A person of any gender |
Examples of how "guy" might be used gender-neutrally:
- "Hey, you guys, let's go to the movies." (Addressing a group of people, mixed genders)
- "That guy over there is really funny." (Referring to someone without knowing or needing to specify their gender)
While generally accepted, it’s always important to be aware of your audience and the context. If you are unsure, using more specific terms or directly asking for someone's preferred pronouns is always the most respectful option.
