Use of "guys" or "you guys" to address a group of women

[Duleigh]

I am writing a serial about a "modern harem", and in conversation the characters frequently address two or more of the others, usually ladies, as "guys" or "you guys".

Let me be the arbiter of etiquette and the purveyor of polite conversation.
1. When addressing 2 or more ladies, "guys" is only appropriate if it is a member of that harem speaking to co-members, it implies fellowship.
2. "You guys" is only used when upset or angry. If you're really angry the proper term is "youse guys"
3. The proper fall back is "y'all" it's quick, polite, and you don't need to be southern or country to use it. It is now public domain.

 

[AWhoopsieDaisy]

-Cats ("What's up with you cats?" 1920s slang. Gender neutral)
-you lot (gender neutral)
-Youse (Used as a plural for 'you' in the American northeast. Gender neutral.)
-Babes (younger women)
-Broads (attractive women, may be derogatory if used in a modern setting.)
-Folks
-Gals
-Pals
-Crew ("That's my crew"/"Look at that crew over there" describes the speakers friends or a group of friends the speaker might not be friends with. Gender neutral.)

 

[Bramblethorn]

-Cats ("What's up with you cats?" 1920s slang. Gender neutral)
-you lot (gender neutral)
-Youse (Used as a plural for 'you' in the American northeast. Gender neutral.)
-Babes (younger women)
-Broads (attractive women, may be derogatory if used in a modern setting.)
-Folks
-Gals
-Pals
-Crew ("That's my crew"/"Look at that crew over there" describes the speakers friends or a group of friends the speaker might not be friends with. Gender neutral.)

One of my old bosses was fond of "comrades", though that has its own baggage.

 

[vanmyers86]

When I was a little girl in the American south, back in the 70s, there was a TV show called The Electric Company. One of the catchphrases, shouted by Rita Moreno, was "Hey you guys!" Later in life, I lived in the Midwest US, where everyone, male and female, called other people "you guys."
So it doesn't bother me at all, and I have never heard any of my female friends get upset about it. For what it's worth, I would keep it in, especially if you set your story in the Midwest.

 

[yukonnights]

But contractors know they have us by the short hairs," Cheyenne confirms.

"Uhhhhh... look around this table," Amber interrupts. "There are no such 'short hairs' anywhere to be found."
*****
How about dropping the word altogether?