Are you annoyed by familiar colloquialisms? If so, what are some good alternatives?

I just caught myself using the phrase, “you guys” to a group of people of diverse ages and genders with whom I’m fairly well acquainted. It bothers me when a server or someone refers to a group I’m with as “you guys”, so I’m a hypocrite for using it out of habit and from lack of a good alternative.

I’m not in the southern US, so, “y’all” doesn’t come naturally, but “you all” sounds awkward. I’m also not a fan of “Hon/Hun”, “Miss/Mister”, “Dear”, “Sweetie”, “Doll”, “Chief”, or “Boss”. I find myself saying, “Dude” often, and referring to younger women as “chicks”. It bugs me when the administrators at work refer to support staff as “the girls”.

I know the collective has a lot of Jellies who have great knowledge of the English language, and also those who oppose gender typing. I’m hoping some can relate to my quandary and offer some useful suggestions and alternatives. Since this topic also touches on the decline of formalities in American culture, I figured I’d put it in Social because it could be and interesting discussion.