I’m not a guy

Am I the only person bothered by wait staff who ask if “you guys” want any more coffee? This happens all the time, whether I’m with one person or six, regardless of gender. Yesterday in a restaurant with my partner, I heard it again. Delivering my latte, the waitress asked: “Are you guys waiting for anything else?”

Hmmm. Why didn’t she say:
“Are you waiting for anything else?”
“Are you two waiting for anything else?”
“Are you folks waiting for anything else?” (All right, she was too young to say folks!)
“Can I get you anything else?”

I’m beginning to think that the only restaurants where you aren’t called a guy are those that charge $35 for an entrée.

Believe me, I'm grateful to enjoy a meal that I don't have to cook (or clean up after), but please don't call me a guy!

Comments

[Tom Keefe]

I'm with you, Donna. I like friendly wait-staff in most circumstances, but this always makes me feel uncomfortable--I can imagine that it would be more so for a woman.

The only place where I make an exception is my brother's restaurant, where I'm called "bro" for a reason.

[Gloria Hildebrandt]

I don't mind being called "guy" as much as I dislike being called "dude."

[Donna Papacosta]

Thanks, guys, I mean -- dudes -- for your comments!

[Grammar Girl]

I'm a fan of "y'all." It's not considered standard English, but it's politely inclusive and fills a void in the language.

[Donna Papacosta]

Mignon, I too love the warm and friendly sound of "y'all." But it ain't something you hear very often in Canada!