Whether you can call ladies "guys" depends on the context and who is speaking. According to research, the acceptability of using "guys" for women is uncertain, especially when used for all-women groups.
Here's a breakdown:
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Generally Accepted for Mixed Groups: Using "guys" to address a mixed-gender group is more common.
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Less Accepted for All-Women Groups: The acceptance decreases when referring specifically to a group of women.
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Speaker Matters: Men using "guys" for a group of men is the most accepted usage.
Contextual Appropriateness of "Guys"
The study suggests that the use of "guys" depends on the context in which the term is used. For example, using "guys" in a casual setting might be more acceptable than in a formal business meeting.
Here's a table summarizing when it's more and less acceptable:
| Scenario | Acceptability |
|---|---|
| Men addressing a group of men | High |
| Addressing a mixed-gender group | Medium |
| Addressing an all-women group | Low |
Alternatives to "Guys"
If you are unsure whether using "guys" is appropriate, consider alternative terms:
- Team
- Folks
- Everyone
- People
