How thin is the line between trying to be friendly and rude hail? Contemporaries love to invent new terms to denote cultural phenomena, but at the same time forget the basic aspects of their native language. One of the unusual and polysemous words is “guys”. It is used both in kindergartens and at youth parties. Even at meetings of veterans of armed conflicts, a familiar appeal sounds.
Where did the word come from
Initially, only the “child” was known in Russian. Little children had fun and played, and adults, so as not to single out one and draw the attention of the whole group, called them “guys”. There is no gender identification in the word, it fits:
for boys;
for mixed groups;
for girls.
However, this is true exclusively for the children's community! In informal communication, new meanings have appeared.
Who can I turn to
The closest words will be “boys” and “girls”. Young people and middle-aged people can be called senior by position in order to dilute the official situation and add a bit of warmth to communication. Surprisingly subtle and appropriate use. For example, the shop manager motivates his subordinates: “Let's push, guys!” Which word best conveys the fatherly care and hope of the leader? Other meanings developed from here:
young people - an analogue of “guys”, but without reference to the floor;
comrades - colleagues or fellow practitioners;
a group of men.
There is no negative connotation here, although forms with diminutive suffixes are possible, which, when using the corresponding intonation, acquire a sense of insult. “Children” or “children”, especially with respect to an adult and / or a stranger, acquire a derogatory connotation.
In order to eliminate misunderstanding or to distribute responsibilities for men and women, are more complex treatment. You can often see these “duets”:
guys and girls;
guys and girls etc.
The word itself does not change in any way, and in its pair you can read the instructions on the level of relations, the mood of the speaker, other nuances necessary for the case. If you turn to everyone in a simple way: “Guys!” - This is the most polite form outside of official etiquette.
Can I say that today?
There are practically no restrictions. It is difficult to find more friendly counterparts within a team or when communicating with an unfamiliar group of people. Although, the word seems a bit outdated against the background of modern slang. And when interacting with adults, it sounds familiar, along with “old man” and “mother” when referring to the elderly. Correctly evaluate the atmosphere, the mood of others, and then you will certainly be able to arrange the guys for a productive dialogue!