At 12:14 PM 12/11/98 +1000, [log in to unmask] wrote: >I was at a big gathering and saw a group of embroiderers, all women, sit >down and start talking. One of them said "Hey, guys", and they all >responded. If that doesn't mean that gender emphasis in language is dying, >then I don't know what does. Actually that is one of the words I take offense at, particularly when it is used by a server (waitperson, waiter, waitress, etc.) in a nice restaurant. If I'm having a cold one with my buddies, and the one who is buying or serving says "What'll you guys have to drink?", that is fine. When I'm in a fine restaurant (minimum $50 per person plus drinks) and the server comes up and says "What'll you guys have to drink?" to my wife and me, I get ready to walk out. I'll usually stay, but will certainly speak up to the server and/or the manager. cheers dan -- Dan Lester, 3577 East Pecan, Boise, ID 83716-7115 USA 208-383-0165 [log in to unmask] http://www.84.com/ http://www.idaholibraries.org/ http://library.boisestate.edu/ http://cyclops.boisestate.edu/ http://www.lili.org/ Sent me a postcard of a library yet?