Prompted by, and in answer to, something at We Have Brains...

As fluid as "guys" is, I try not to use it (often in vain, it is deeply ingrained in my vocabulary) because its counterpart, "gals" is not as fluid. This may seem kind of arbitrary, but thinking about this particular language foible, I wondered how most men would react to being called "gals" when in a multi-gendered group. I envisioned at least some recalcitrance, and so I decided using "guys" probably isn't the best thing to do, although like I said I'm not as strict with it as I could be. I also virtually never get offended when someone refers to a group I am included in as "guys" because really, I just have so many other things I'd rather rail against.

I think my example about "gals" is a vital one, though, and I'm interested to see if it would be proven out. Is there a double standard involved in this little word pairing? Is it troublesome that we default to the male of that pairing when talking about a mixed group? Sure it probably doesn't cause any immediate harm to, well, anyone, but it is something to consider.

I don't mind people who deconstruct and criticize our use of language. I enjoy it. I just don't really practice it myself all that often. And if pressed, will usually give way to a view I think is perfectly valid, because it is just not that hard to think about changing my language, and even sometimes a welcome challenge.

Things my hypothetical son will hypothetically say when he's 25:
"My mom... yeah she was odd. She'd dress me in pink, as a baby, and then when people would say, Oh, what a pretty little girl she'd say Actually, he's a pretty little boy, thanks. Then when they'd get all indignant that she was causing me trauma, she'd say I'm not the one causing him trauma, morons who prejudge based on a dye color, they might be causing him some trauma. My mom was a little weird... yeah, I turned out just fine... but my mom was a little bit different."

If you think gender socialization is fakery, or something crazy feminists made up, just walk down the aisles of the local Toys-r-Us. Sometimes I understand why some mothers take on the incredible burden of home schooling.

Last night we went out to Sullivan's. Yup, we went to a bar and steak house with a name like Sullivan's on St. Patrick's day. I was itchy until we got seated, but once we did it was smooth sailing. But getting me to go out on any "holiday" is getting more and more difficult, let me tell you.

Whatever sick is going around, it might have got me. Coughing, sore throat. Bleh.