So I’ve realized that in conversations I’ll use traditional terms for men as general terms for both genders, both singularly and for groups. I always mean it well, but I’ve been thinking that it’s not as inclusive to women/trans people.
For example I would say:
“What’s up guys?” “How’s it going man?” "Good job, my dude!” etc.
Replacing these terms with person, people, etc sounds awkward. Y’all works but sounds very southern US (nowhere near where I am located) so it sounds out of place.
So what are some better options?
Fellas
I’ve heard the term fellas used a lot specifically to delineate something as gendered. “It’s for the fellas” = “It’s a dude thing”
Isn’t that also for dudes?
Not inherently to my knowledge.
It is a modification of ‘fellows’, fellows etymology coming from ‘late Old English fēolaga ‘a partner or colleague’ (literally ‘one who lays down money in a joint enterprise’), from Old Norse félagi, from fé ‘cattle, property, money’ + the Germanic base of lay1.’
Colloquially, the term might often reference men, but I cant find any evidence it is exclusive to them.
Not only was this response well written, I enjoyed the fact. Thanks for making my day through a little factoid.
No worries, have a good day :)