Being one of the guys is insulting to many gals

Nobody can stop language from changing.(We say "helped" now, not "holpen," etc.) Unfortunately, this is a change that some people grow up with naturally and others find offensive. Using techniques to embarrass the person talking is rude, smacking of elitism and snobbery. Rather than insulting your interlocutor, it is far better to understand that different people speak differently and try to get along in a positive manner.

Yikes! Not sure I would want to be around some of these ladies.

Anyone that thinks public humiliation is a solution to a problem is no lady.

Agreed with all the above. It is far more rude to correct someone (especially by insinuating that they aren't intellegent enough to deduce the sex of others) than it is to use a term that might be vague and misleading, but nonetheless common and acceptable in many circles and regions. I prefer not to use "guys" simply because it's not my style, but I don't begrudge others who do.

justs ridiculous. get over it. of all the things to get offended over, this is the stupidest.
i'm from the north midwest (mn) and i've used the phrase "you guys" my whole life, i've never seen anyone throw such a stink about it. JEEZ!

For all you people that are so offended over being called "you guys"... you guys are freaks.

I, too, have been offended and irritated by staff in restaurants and other places who casually call everyone,'You Guys.'
At times, I have said, "I am not a guy..." some get it...some don't...some don't care...
I have praised some staff people for NOT calling me a guy...I have asked some staff as we walked to our table to please not call us, "You Guys."
The left-over mental irritation, in all cases, is not worth it...For now, I just ignore the statement...and go on with whatever I needed to be doing...This also keeps everyone else around me from feeling angst over my 'problem' with YOUGUYS....

However, I would love to have a YOUGUYS button with a slash through it to wear!!!

no one says "hey guys" meaning "hi you lot of men." not a one!

what do you think'll happen first, that you'll get used to it or that folks will stop saying it forever?

damned if i'll say ya'll.

If that's your worst problem get a life!

Seriously, if that's these guys biggest problem, they are truly blessed! I wouldn't want to be friends and/or associated with anyone that stuck on themselves.

On the flip side, why would one make a point of embarrassing a person who is trying to be friendly and using a term he/she has grown up with his/her entire life? In my opinion, that is a bigger offense. Public humiliation? That is going way too far. If being called a guy bothers you, get over it and realize that it is an accepted term and there are worst names you can be called.

Goodness I say it to everyone and I'm not a guy. If this is your biggest problem in your life then you guys need to get over it!

You guys need to get the sticks out of your rears and be glad this is your biggest problem!

I agree that 'folks' should just get over it, but it's not a bad idea for the younger generation to learn how to politely and respectfully address the older generation.

As for the first definition of the term guy, and as a woman in a male dominated profession, I can say that I find it an honor to be considered "one of the guys".

Consider the source - that's why they are waiters/waitresses.

LOL!!! I wonder how many "spitburgers" Diane has gotten after offending the waitstaff who are just trying to be friendly.

I grew up with the term "you guys," being, as others here, from the heart of the midwest. It would never occur to me to be insulted that someone said, "You guys." I get a little weirded out by people down here whom I've never meant calling me "sweetheart," "honey," etc., but it's a regional thing.

I just can't believe people are that easily offended. Don't you know that there are REAL problems in the world you could be getting all up in arms about?

steph wrote:

Don't you know that there are REAL problems in the world you could be getting all up in arms about?

YEAH! Like yesterday when the woman was in serious danger of popping out ugly babies!

Ugly babies: are they one of "you guys"?

A lot of people use it as a generic. If I'm at an upscale place, it might be weird, but at the local bar & grill, what's the big deal? The problem is there's no female equivalent of the term guys, so people stretch it. You can guy instead of boy, gentleman, sir or man. But with females, the choice is, girl, lady, maam or woman. Females (and I'm female, btw) are more likely to get bent out shape by someone using variations of girl and lady due to sexism. And some women feel people are saying they're older by using maam. Which leaves woman, a kind of awkward term of address. That's why so man prefer to use guys as a generic casual form of address.

Steph beat me to it. It's not very smart to insult a server before you even order. A sure way to get a little "secret sauce" with your meal. Sheesh, lighten up already.

The world is now a better place - children are not hungry, the elderly have their medications, the homeless are sheltered.

Really - if being called a 'guy' is that horrible, maybe you should rethink your life.