Hey, guys: Using the word that way is nothing new

Cut it out, guys

One letter whining about English usage, I could ignore. But then you printed a second letter, this one accusing people of being lazy if they use “guys” as a gender-free plural noun. I had to write to beg you guys to cut it out.

Apparently the letter-writer, despite calling others lazy, had not bothered to look in a dictionary. Here is one definition of “guy” from Merriam-Webster: “PERSON — used in plural to refer to the members of a group regardless of sex.“

I have always used “guys” in this way. When I was in elementary school — over 50 years ago — a girl asked why I used “guys” to refer to groups that include girls or women. Your two letter-writers must lead sheltered lives if they are just starting to hear this common English usage.

David Combs, Palm Springs

Not a guy — or a girl

Thank you, Judy Winston (Letter, Dec. 1) and Fern Miller (Letter, Dec. 3). You are both spot on.

Add to that when a waitress or waiter comes to a table with a group of senior women and insists on asking, "How are you girls today?" I earned every strand of grey/silver hair and prefer to be called a "lady." I never hear a server refer to the men at their tables as "boys."

I do speak up and tell them I prefer to be referred to as a lady, or the table as women, and they do change their tune the next time they come to address us. Awareness goes a long way.

Shelia Harbet, Palm Desert

Really, guys?

If you are a woman over 18 and have been exposed to being referred to as “guys” or “girls” while lunching, you may be entitled to compensation.

Likewise, males who have had to endure the horrific label “hon” or “honey” may also be eligible.

Call today for a free brochure which details real problems in today’s America & the world.

That’s 1-911-GET-REAL.

Bruce Wilson, Palm Springs

This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: Referring to everyone as 'guys' is nothing new