Does anyone HATE being referred to as “Guys”
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at 21:30 by Chris in Makati.
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Fernieside94ParticipantWHY does it seem to be acceptable, in fact trained into waiting staff, that we should be referred to as “GUYS” all the time ?
It can be a Pizza Joint (possibly acceptable) or a 5 * Hotel, why oh why do we have to be greeted by “hi guys” “ “how’re you guy’s today“etc
WTF is going on here ??8 Jun 2018
at 00:55
canuckladParticipantFirstly, welcome to the forum Fernieside94
And onto your point …….. doesn’t bother me in the slightestAnd it seems to me, to be a bit of a cultural thing…….
it normally happens abroad when me and my mates congregate in bars, reception areas , check-in desks whatever.
Mix in a Dutch accent and it’s actually quite affable.And the highlight of any of my personal/business trips I take is to come across someone who is older than me, even better when they’re clearly only slightly older and they refer to me as “Son” .
And when travelling around Scotland when someone calls me” laddie” then rest assured I spend the next hour strutting about like a peacock, albeit a 54 year old peacock.8 Jun 2018
at 10:38
LuganoPirateParticipantIt depends on the place and context. I try wherever possible to avoid Americanisms, but accept in the US in more popular establishments our group will be addressed as “Guys”. I don’t like it, nor is it used, it more high end establishments.
I also find it’s more used in Europe and South Africa by female staff than male, who tend to address us as “Gentleman” or when mixed then they just introduce themselves. In the rest of Africa (at least those places I visit), and the Middle and Far East, staff are much more deferential, and do not resort to “Guys” but address us individually as “sir” or “madam”.
8 Jun 2018
at 12:11
capetonianmParticipantI dislike it intensely, along with all the other hideous USAmericanisms, banalities, and formulaic phrases that have polluted the English language. The one I particularly dislike though is not from the other side of Atlantic, it’s ‘mate’ particularly when said in a belligerent tone by some bonehead airport ‘security official’.
8 Jun 2018
at 13:03
MartynSinclairParticipantIf I am with a group of male friends (mates, the lads, guys) entering a bar or restaurant (in casual surroundings), I have absolutely no issue with the group being called ‘guys’…
If however, I am with a partner (s) (personal or professional), or a mixed group, entering somewhere not so casual, I think it shows a certain lack of respect and a casual attitude.
8 Jun 2018
at 14:55
Poshgirl58ParticipantIt annoys me, especially when it’s so blatantly obvious that we’re not. However, the suggestion of an eye test or anatomy lesson would be wasted!
Then there’s the replacement of “excuse me” with “sorry”. So far, I’ve resisted temptation of replying “why, what have you done?”
The one that really riles is “hiya”. It grates so much that I always make the point of saying “hello” with extra emphasis.
8 Jun 2018
at 18:45
nevereconomyParticipantBeing both English and American I find it perfectly acceptable in the US but oddly irritating anywhere else!
8 Jun 2018
at 19:55
rfergusonParticipantI have absolutely zero issue with ‘guys’. In fact I quite like it as it makes me feel I am in a relaxed environment even if in a somewhat formal location.
I detest being called ‘sir’. Or ‘Mr xxx’. As soon as someone, say a crew member on a plane, says ‘how do I say your surname’ (it is a bit tricky) I always reply ‘please call me xxx (my first name)’.
So I guess its down to personal preference.
What counts for me is that the service is genuine, friendly and efficient.
9 Jun 2018
at 10:11 -
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