Why is the term 'guys' used generically to refer to any group of people?

Is that because of the male-ification via religion where God is considered male and a 'father figure'?

Why can't the term 'girls' be used instead of 'guys' or would that offend the vast bulk of men who would think they are being inferiorised? ;-)

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spjennifer · 56-60, T

It should only be "guys" if the whole group is male or "girls" if the whole group is female, if it's a mix of male and female, you use guys and gals, pretty simple really...

MartinII · 70-79, M

@spjennifer Yes, but lots of people, especially girls in my experience, use “guys” to mean everyone present. It’s a non-issue, in my opinion.

spjennifer · 56-60, T

@MartinII Depends on the group, I've seen people lose their jobs for less than that...