Do You Understand “Guy Speak”?

Men and women have different ways of communicating, right? This may be especially true when it comes to dating. Sometimes men say one thing, and women hear another, and vice versa (true the other way around). That may be because men speak their own language, something called “Guy Speak.”

We use “guy,” the singular form, to refer to a man or a boy. However, we also often use “guys,” the plural form, to refer to a group of mixed men/women or boys/girls. It’s common for people to say to a mixed group: “Hey guys, look at this!” or “Come over here, guys.”

Technically, “gal” is the female equivalent (same in meaning) of “guy,” but “gal” now sounds old-fashioned and you don’t hear it often in daily conversation. Instead, you will hear people use “girls” to refer to a group of girls or women. Sometimes women don’t like to be called “girls” because while “guys” can be a male of any age, “girls” are usually females under 18. It can sound a little condescending (showing that one is superior–having higher position or status–than the person you are talking to). To be safe, and more polite, you can use “ladies” for women.

Now, let’s see how well you understanding “Guy Speak.” Here are a few common things guys say translated into what they really mean, according to a recent article in Cosmopolitan magazine.

Guy Speak: “You’re such a great friend.”
Translation: “I don’t ever want to date you or have you for my girlfriend.”

Guy Speak: “We should hang out (spend time together casually) sometime.”
Translation: “I’m afraid you’ll say ‘no’ if I ask you for a real date.”

Guy Speak: “Should we split the check (each pay our part of the bill)?
Translation: “I’m not into you (I’m not attracted to you.).”

Guy Speak: “I don’t play games*.”
Translation: “I am a master (have very high level of skill) at playing games, but I don’t want you to play them.”

Guy Speak: “I’m still getting over (recovering from) a breakup (end of a romantic relationship).”
Translation: “I plan to date many, many women.”

Guy Speak: “I’ll call you later.”
Translation: “I may or may not call you sometime between now and three months from now.”

These are some examples of “Guy Speak” in the U.S. If you’re a woman, how well do you understand “Guy Speak”? If you’re a guy, especially if you’re living in the U.S., do you think the translations are accurate (correct)? What are some examples of “Guy Speak” in other languages? What are some things women say–perhaps in “Girl Speak”–that needs translation?

~ Lucy

* We talk about people playing “mind games,” which are emotional or psychological games to confuse or to get the upper hand (have more power) in a relationship. Although we use if often when talking about relationships, we can also use it in other situations: “I’m not sure why the boss isn’t giving us any information about whether anyone will lose their jobs this month. Maybe she’s playing mind games with us.”

** Painting: “Au Café” by Jean Béraud