Spanish Eyes, English Words

Well, maybe 'lady' is stretching it a bit, but I'm certainly of the female persuasion. And no, I haven't been mistaken for a man - I hope I look feminine enough to ensure that never happens. I'm referring to the custom of calling everyone guys - as in 'Are you guys okay?' and other variations of this appalling Americanism which seems to be ingrained into British cuture now.

Even the professional classes are at it. When we asked to see a doctor for a report on Elizabeth's progress - which is very slow, by the way - his first words were 'What can I do for you guys?' I felt like saying 'For a start, you can open your eyes - there are two males here and one female. That means your reference to  'you guys' is inaccurate.' However, as we wanted important information from him, I bit my tongue and ground my teeth. That happens a lot these days, because I seem to hear the loathesome expression at least once every day.

I don't know if it's because I'm a writer or because I'm just plain old fashioned, but I cringe every time I hear this unoriginal expression, and I feel like lifting up my skirts just to prove that I'm not a 'guy.' In fact, if camera phones weren't so ubiquitous, and I wasn't wary of getting next week's washing and my wobbly thighs plastered all over the Internet, I would probably have done that ages ago. However, my kids and grandchildren have enough to put up with from me, without causing them terminal embarrassment, so I suppose I'll just have to suffer in silence.

What about you? Do you object to being a 'guy,' or are you comfortable with that, to borrow another Americanism? Maybe you'd care to share your own pet peeves regarding Americanisms that have found their way across the pond? Oh dear - 'care to share' and 'across the pond' crept into this without my noticing. I'd better stop this right here - I'm becoming Americanised - or should that be spelled with a 'zee?' It must be catching!