Usage of "Guy" in England

[anupumh]

Hi,

Is it true that usage of "Guy" is considered rude in England?

This guy always has the answers for most of the questions.

Thanks

[konungursvia]

I would not say so (my mother is a Brit). If used in its neo-Amerian sense, it is understood in that sense (bloke, geezer).

[anupumh]

I would not say so (my mother is a Brit). If used in its neo-Amerian sense, it is understood in that sense (bloke, geezer).

what is "neo-Amerian sense" ?

[konungursvia]

American.

[Ouisch]

I don't know whether it's considered rude or not, but it will get some odd looks and giggles (from my personal experience). I recall several occasions when I was traveling through England and used the expression "you guys" or "some guy" - it was always met with a smile or even a "you sound so American!" comment.

[konungursvia]

Yes, that happened to me too, in the 70s and 80s. But I think it's become a bit more ordinary these days.

[BobK]

I used to sing in a choir (men and women) with a conductor who was a music teacher in a girls' school. She addressed us all as 'guys', and she addressed her all-girl class in the same way. Fifty years ago, 'guy' was regarded as uncouth (rough/vulgar), but today it's quite common even in polite circles - informal, but perfectly acceptable.

b

[Tdol]

Tony Blair described himself as a 'pretty straight guy', meaning that he was an honest person, when he was accused of lying, which suggests that it has lost any hint of vulgarity.

The expression 'you guys' still sounds American to me, though.

[Tdol]

Tony Blair described himself as a 'pretty straight kind of guy', meaning that he was an honest person, when he was accused of lying, which suggests that it has lost any hint of vulgarity.

The expression 'you guys' still sounds American to me, though.