 By Susan Round June 08, 2008
To my ears, YOU GUYS sounds too familiar, course, and disrespectful for this venue. I have heard YOU GUYS used inappropriately when addressing the City Council and Borough Assembly as well. I understand why this occurs. The English language, regrettably, has developed without a satisfying second person plural pronoun. In order to distinguish between you, a single individual, and you, a busload of visitors, YOU GUYS is employed. I feel your pain, but please stop. May I suggest substituting you all, as in, "You all must take your possessions with you." If you don't pronounce you all as y'all, you won't sound like you moved here from Georgia. In the south, y'all is ironically used for both the singular and plural second person pronoun, and therefore doesn't solve the problem. One can also simply say, "Please take your possessions with you." During my work day, I see many young people from our community working in the visitor industry and I assure you they impress travelers positively with their friendliness, respect, and fine performances as tour guides and dock reps. Just this one request: Please stop with the YOU GUYS! You all may see an improvement in your tips! Have a great and lucrative summer, Susan Round Received June 06, 2008 - Published June 08, 2008 Viewpoints - Opinion Letters:
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