Guys for girls

[dervast]

Hello.
When I am addressing two or more males (eg. colleagues) sometimes I can use the word "guys". There are people at work that use that.

What if I want to address two or more female colleagues. Is then guys appropriate?

I would like to thank you in advance for your help.
Best Regards
Alex.

[euncu]

Some native-speakers use it for both genders. But I guess some of your female co-workers may say; " Hey! I'm not a guy".

[philadelphia]

*Not a teacher at all

Hey, you guys! would sound more AmE

Hey, you lot! would rather be BrE

Both phrases refer to a group of persons and work for both genders as well. I personally would prefer to use the BrE one. Otherwise, you can say Hey, you ladies!

[Barb_D]

"Ladies" is indeed a good choice, but not with "you."

Hey, ladies, what's up? Morning, ladies.

Hey, guys! is generally okay for either gender, but you may find some prickly women who will protest, as suggested above.

[birdeen's call]

I once heard a guy (male ) greet a group of two girls with "hey dudes!". I guess it isn't a recommended way though.

[TheParser]

Hello.
When I am addressing two or more males (eg. colleagues) sometimes I can use the word "guys". There are people at work that use that.

What if I want to address two or more female colleagues. Is then guys appropriate?

I would like to thank you in advance for your help.
Best Regards
Alex.

********** NOT A TEACHER **********

Hello, Dervast.

(1) When I was younger way back in the 20th century, there was

a word for the opposite of guys.

(2) It was gals.

(3) In the 21st century, I guess most women would not appreciate

being called a gal.

(4) I just googled and discovered that it may be the way certain

speakers in a certain part of London pronounce girl.

(5) Also, some American men used to refer to women as dolls.

I believe that this would not be a good idea nowadays.

(6) Maybe you should just ask your female co-workers what term

they are comfortable with.

(7) You are very wise to be very careful. Nowadays in the

United States (and other English-speaking countries???), people

are super sensitive about how people address them. One wrong

word can get you dismissed from your job!!!

Thank you

[emsr2d2]

As a female of the species, I'd rather be addressed with "Hey guys" than "Hey ladies" though that's probably just because "lady" conjures up an image of someone a good few years older than me, grey-haired and who knits and makes jam!

In order of preference, I'd like to hear:

Hey/hi guys
Hey/hi girls
Hey/hi, you lot
Hey!
Hiya!

[Ouisch]

In the American south they handle this problem neatly with the all-inclusive "Hi, y'all!" However, "y'all" just doesn't sound the same when said by a Yankee.

Anyway, in AmE "Hi guys" is certainly OK when addressing a group of men, or a group of women, or a group of mixed gender. Sometimes very persnickety women might get huffy and say "I'm not a guy," but in my opinion a lady who makes such a remark is not truly offended and are just seeking attention or make a habit out of always being disagreeable. She knows that you did not mistake her for a male, and that your comment was intended as an overall friendly greeting. If she is offended by being casually referred to as "guy," then she'll probably also be upset if you drink your cup of tea without extending your pinky finger.

If you want to be completely gender-neutral, you can always say "Hi, all!" or "Hello there!" or "How is everyone today?"

[dervast]

I would like to thank everyone for the nice replies.

Best Regards
Alex.