It is very common to hear the phrase ‘hey guys’ when addressing a room or a gathering of people. Seems normal, right? Until about a few years ago, I thought the same.

One of my former co-workers pointed out that when there is a room full of people not identifying with one particular gender, why do we still say ‘guys’?

At first, I thought, surely this has to be some temporary hype? When faced with a contradictory opinion, our brain leaps either to defense or shut down. My ego reared, and I became a bit annoyed whenever my co-worker gently pointed out and reminded me of what I'm doing whenever I said ‘guys’ - I'm removing the space for people to jump in or feel acknowledged. 

I remember listening to a piece of information, which mentioned a study that was done among pre-school kids, and teachers addressing the class as ‘hey guys’. They found that male kids were more likely to answer the teacher’s questions, because the female kids thought the teacher was only speaking to the boys.

Gender biased language shows up in our everyday language in other ways, too. For example, phrases like: oh boy, man-up, manpower, man of the hour, mankind, grow a pair, don’t be a p***y, chairman, spokesman, policeman, fireman, actress, waitress (the list is endless). 

This gender inequity has been ingrained in us since we’re kids, and it’s about time we start challenging the norm and change the way we approach our language. Gender-loaded language reinforces inaccurate assumptions about the roles that men and women should occupy and can successfully reach.

One recent study revealed a clear connection between how using gendered language reinforces narratives around gender roles and goes a step further to suggest that the choice to use these specific words could be unconsciously driven by harmful stereotypes.

Using gender-neutral terms includes more people in the conversation, and grants respect to everyone, regardless of gender. When inclusive language is used, it can make people feel included, valued, and empowered.

Inclusive language also means inclusive schools, universities, workplaces, and a better world.

So, what can we say instead of ‘guys’?

●      Team

●      Folks

●      Friends

●      Gamechangers

●      Trailblazers

●      Humans

●      People

●      Everyone/everybody

When speaking of inclusive language, we can also consider the following: age, sexuality, disability, and culture, especially through the lens of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Awareness is key, friends. This phrase, like many, shows up on autopilot because of societal conditioning. It takes practice to snap out of it. Instead of getting frustrated, or losing patience with yourself or those around you, simply point it out - gently, but persistently.

You will slip and say it every now and again, and that’s ok! Just remind yourself kindly and try again.

Ruhee (she/her) is inclusive facilitator and speaker based in Naarm. With over 11 years of teaching experience, she is the founder of Allied Collective - an inclusive facilitation agency. Forever curious, straight-talking and driven by the conversation around inclusion and equity, Ruhee leads global South Asian Employee Resource Group (ERG) and the Inclusion, Diversity, Equity Action (IDEA) Taskforce for an international retail brand. You can connect with Rhuee via Linkedin.