Even in high school, though we’re minors (unless you’re an 18+ senior), I found the phrasing odd. I say man as an adult. I said “guy” instead in high school. Maybe it’s because I’m neurodivergent and it sounded better to my autistic brain. I dunno.

My fiancé isn’t a boy, I would never say I liked a boy or was engaged to a boy. I usually say a guy or a man, especially once he finally hits age 18.

Edit: Worse in a story I read. 25M, gay, says he wants to “prey on boys”. I can assure you this was not their intention and they meant he wanted to look for men around his age, but you know how it sounds,

  • FreshParsnip@lemmy.caEnglish
    2·
    21 days ago

    I agree, I’ve always thought the word “guy” is most appropriate for describing teenage or young adult males. Neither a boy nor a man. There isn’t really an equivalent for females though. I never liked “gal”. It’s either girl or woman. And calling women girls is far too common.