ENGLISH
REFERENCE

guys

n. countable
A2 Elementary US //ˈɡaɪz// UK //ɡˈaɪz// guys Informal

n. a group of people of any gender. You use this word to address your friends or a group you are talking to in a relaxed way.

n. a plural address for a group of people, regardless of gender. Informal in register; historically masculine but now widely used as a gender-neutral vocative.


SIMPLE

What do you guys want for dinner?

CONTEXTUAL

The waiter asked the group if you guys were ready to order your drinks yet.

COMPLEX

While some style guides suggest more formal alternatives, most modern speakers use guys to address a mixed-gender audience in casual professional settings without causing any offense.

Synonyms
Usage

Used almost exclusively in the plural form when addressing a group; the singular 'guy' remains predominantly masculine.

Pitfall

Hello guysesHello guysThe word 'guys' is already the plural form; learners sometimes mistakenly add an extra plural ending.

Idioms2 entries

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