“You guys” carries gendered assumptions that can exclude people from conversations. Whether you’re speaking to mixed groups, in professional settings, or just want more inclusive language, better alternatives exist.
Language shapes how people feel included in your message. Choosing words that welcome everyone isn’t about being overly cautious—it’s about being a clearer, more effective communicator who reaches your whole audience.
Plenty of natural, friendly phrases work just as well without the gender baggage. These alternatives sound conversational and keep your tone warm while being more precise about who you’re actually addressing.
What to Say Instead of “You Guys” (20 Cool Ideas)
These alternatives will give you the perfect replacement for any situation, whether you’re chatting with friends or leading a board meeting.
1. Everyone
Simple and direct, “everyone” works in almost any context. It’s the Swiss Army knife of group addresses. You can say “Hey everyone” when you walk into a coffee shop to meet friends, or “Everyone, let’s get started” in a conference room. The word has this neat way of making each person feel included without drawing attention to itself. It flows naturally in casual conversation and maintains professionalism when you need it.
2. Folks
This one carries a warm, down-to-earth vibe that works beautifully across generations. “Folks” feels like a cozy sweater—comfortable and welcoming. Your grandmother probably used it, but it doesn’t sound dated. When you say “Thanks, folks” after a presentation, or “Listen up, folks” before making an announcement, you’re creating an atmosphere that’s both friendly and respectful. The word has regional flexibility too, sounding equally natural whether you’re in Portland or Atlanta.
3. Y’all
Originally Southern, “y’all” has spread far beyond its geographic roots and become widely accepted. It’s efficient, inclusive, and has a friendly ring to it. Tech companies in Silicon Valley use it. Teachers in Minnesota use it. The beauty of “y’all” lies in its clarity—it’s obviously plural and obviously inclusive. When you say “Y’all ready for this?” you’re not making assumptions about gender, and you’re adding a touch of warmth to your communication.
4. Team
Perfect for work environments, “team” instantly creates a sense of collaboration and shared purpose. Saying “Good morning, team” transforms a group of individual employees into a cohesive unit working toward common goals. It works whether you’re addressing two people or twenty. The word carries subtle leadership energy—you’re not just talking to random people, you’re speaking to your allies, your collaborators, your support system.
Even outside work, “team” can work. “Alright team, let’s figure out where to eat” brings a playful energy to decision-making with friends.
5. Friends
When you want to emphasize connection and warmth, “friends” delivers. It works particularly well in social settings or when you want to soften a message. “Friends, I have some news to share” feels gentle and personal. The word assumes positive relationships and creates them even when they didn’t fully exist before. In community settings, religious gatherings, or neighborhood meetings, “friends” builds bridges and establishes common ground.
6. People
Straightforward and universally applicable, “people” get the job done without any fuss. It’s especially useful in larger groups or more formal settings. “People often ask me…” or “Listen, people…” sounds professional but not stuffy. The word acknowledges the humanity of your audience while maintaining appropriate distance when you need it. It’s particularly effective when you’re sharing information or making announcements to diverse audiences.
7. All of You
This phrase puts emphasis on inclusion while maintaining a personal touch. “Thank you, all of you” feels more heartfelt than just “thank you.” It acknowledges each person individually while addressing them collectively. The phrase works beautifully in emotional moments—celebrations, farewells, or when expressing gratitude. It’s also unambiguous, leaving no doubt that you mean everyone present.
8. Crew
Casual and energetic, “crew” brings a sense of adventure and camaraderie. It works great with younger audiences or when you want to inject some fun into the conversation. “Alright crew, let’s move out.” sounds like you’re about to embark on something exciting together. The word has nautical origins, which gives it an adventurous feel, but it’s evolved to simply mean “group of people working or hanging out together.” Perfect for project teams, friend groups, or any situation where you want to emphasize teamwork with a casual vibe.
9. Squad
Modern and playful, “squad” resonates especially well with younger generations. It carries connotations of loyalty, friendship, and shared experiences. When you say “Squad, we need to talk,” you’re creating intimacy and insider status. The word suggests that this group has been through things together. While it might feel too casual for formal business settings, it’s perfect for creative teams, social groups, or any environment where you want to emphasize the bonds between people.
10. Everybody
Similar to “everyone” but with a slightly more casual tone, “everybody” works well in relaxed settings. “Everybody ready?” feels approachable and friendly. The word has a rhythmic quality that makes it easy to say and remember. It’s the kind of word that works well when you’re trying to gather attention without sounding too formal or too casual—right in that sweet spot of friendly professionalism.
11. Ladies and Gentlemen
This traditional formal address still has its place, particularly in elegant or ceremonial settings. “Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to tonight’s performance,” maintains a sense of occasion and respect. While some might consider it somewhat traditional, it explicitly acknowledges different gender identities and treats them with equal respect. The phrase works best in formal presentations, public speaking, or events where a touch of ceremony is appropriate.
However, consider your audience carefully. In some modern contexts, this phrase might feel too binary or formal.
12. My Friends
Adding “my” to “friends” increases the personal connection and warmth. “My friends, we have a problem to solve” creates immediate intimacy and suggests shared investment in the outcome. Political leaders often use this phrase to build rapport with their audience. It works well when you need to deliver difficult news or ask for support, because it frames the relationship as personal and mutual.
The phrase implies that you care about the people you’re addressing as individuals, not just as an audience.
13. All
Sometimes the shortest option is the most elegant. “All aboard” or “All set?” gets straight to the point without any extra words. This works particularly well in action-oriented situations where brevity matters. The word “all” is inclusive by definition and doesn’t waste time with unnecessary elaboration. It’s especially effective in written communication where space is limited, like text messages or signs.
14. Group
Clinical but clear, “group” works well in educational or therapeutic settings. “Group, let’s discuss today’s reading” maintains appropriate professional distance while acknowledging the collective nature of the audience. It’s particularly useful when you’re facilitating discussions or leading activities where the group dynamic is important to the process.
15. Hey There
Warm and welcoming, “hey there” works beautifully as a greeting that addresses multiple people without being specific about numbers or demographics. It’s casual enough for friends but professional enough for many work situations. The phrase has a natural, conversational flow that makes people feel acknowledged without being called out individually. Perfect for situations where you’re approaching a group or joining a conversation already in progress.
16. Listen Up
When you need to grab attention, “listen up” does the job effectively. It’s direct without being rude, and it signals that important information is coming. The phrase works in both casual and professional settings, though it carries a slight authoritative tone. Teachers, coaches, and team leaders find this phrase particularly useful because it creates focus without being harsh.
17. Fellow [Specific Group]
Tailoring your address to the specific group creates instant connection and relevance. “Fellow teachers,” “fellow parents,” or “fellow volunteers” acknowledges shared experience and common ground. This approach works exceptionally well in professional associations, community groups, or any setting where people gather because of shared interests or roles. The word “fellow” suggests equality and mutual respect while recognizing common purpose.
18. You All
A bit more formal than “y’all,” but serving the same function, “you all” works in both speech and writing. It’s clear, inclusive, and maintains a professional tone while staying friendly. “You all did excellent work on this project,” acknowledges the group effort while maintaining individual recognition. The phrase works well in emails, presentations, or any situation where you want to be inclusive without being too casual.
19. Dear Colleagues
Perfect for professional communications, especially written ones, “dear colleagues” establishes respect and a professional relationship. It’s particularly effective in emails, memos, or formal announcements. The phrase suggests that you view your audience as peers and value their professional expertise. While it might feel too formal for casual conversation, it strikes exactly the right tone for workplace communication where you want to maintain respect and professionalism.
20. Good Morning/Afternoon/Evening [Everyone/All/Folks]
Combining a time-specific greeting with an inclusive group address kills two birds with one stone. “Good morning, everyone,” or “Good evening, folks,” feels natural and situates the conversation in time while addressing the group inclusively. These combinations work especially well for meetings, presentations, or any situation where you’re formally beginning a group interaction. The time element adds warmth and acknowledges the shared experience of being together at that moment.
Wrapping Up
Language evolves, and so do your options for connecting with the people around you. These alternatives to “you guys” aren’t just about political correctness—they’re about expanding your ability to make everyone feel included and valued.
The best part? You don’t have to overthink it. Pick a few favorites that feel natural in your mouth, practice them in low-stakes situations, and soon they’ll become second nature. Your communication will be richer, more inclusive, and just as warm as it ever was.