Gal vs. Guy: What's the Difference?
Edited by Harlon Moss || By Janet White || Updated on September 28, 2023
Gal is informal slang for a girl or woman, while Guy is a term for a man; both are often used to refer to people in general.
Key Differences
“Gal” is a colloquial term, primarily used to denote a woman or a girl. “Guy,” on the contrary, is a casual term used to refer to a man or boy. Both terms are very informal and are often used in casual conversation.
“Gal” has its roots in English and has been used historically to colloquially refer to women. “Guy,” on the other hand, originally denoted a man but has evolved in modern usage to sometimes refer to people in general, regardless of gender.
“Gal” is often seen as more dated and may not be as commonly used as “guy” in contemporary language. “Guy” is a versatile term, often used to refer to males but can also be pluralized to refer to groups of people, including mixed-gender groups, as in “guys.”
When using “gal,” one typically is referring specifically to a female, whereas “guy” is much broader in its application, often used to address both individuals and groups. “Guy” is arguably more prevalent in everyday language due to its flexible usage.
Although “gal” is predominantly used to signify a female, “guy” is a more neutral term and is often used as a gender-neutral term to address or refer to people irrespective of their gender, especially when used in the plural form.
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Comparison Chart
Gender Specificity
Female-specific
Primarily male but can be gender-neutral
Usage
Less Common
More Common
Formality
Informal
Informal
Plural Form
Gals
Guys (can refer to mixed-gender groups)
Connotation
Slightly Dated
Contemporary
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Gal and Guy Definitions
Gal
Gal is a casual term for a woman or girl.
The gal next door is very friendly.
Guy
Guy is a generic term for a man or boy.
The guy at the store was very polite.
Gal
Gal can signify a young woman or a girl in informal language.
That gal has a charming smile.
Guy
A rope, cord, or cable used to steady, guide, or secure something.
Gal
Gal is a colloquial expression predominantly denoting a female.
The gal at the counter was very helpful.
Guy
(Informal) A man; a fellow.
Gal
Gal is a term used in casual conversation to refer to a woman.
She is a gal with a strong character.
Guy
Guys(Informal) Persons of either sex.
Gal
Gal is often used as an informal synonym for a female friend.
I'm going out with my gals tonight.
Guy
Chiefly British A person of odd or grotesque appearance or dress.
Gal
A woman or girl.
Guy
Often Guy An effigy of Guy Fawkes paraded through the streets of English towns and burned on Guy Fawkes Day.
Gal
The centimeter-gram-second unit of acceleration, equal to one centimeter per second per second, used especially in the measurement of gravity.
Guy
To steady, guide, or secure with a rope, cord, or cable.
Gal
Abbreviation of gallon
Guy
To hold up to ridicule; mock.
Gal
(colloquial) A young woman.
Guy
(British) An effigy of a man burned on a bonfire on the anniversary of the Gunpowder Plot (5th November).
Gal
A galileo unit of acceleration.
Guy
(dated) A person of eccentric appearance or dress; a "fright".
Gal
United States liquid unit equal to 4 quarts or 3.785 liters
Guy
(colloquial) A man, fellow.
Gal
A unit of gravitational acceleration equal to one centimeter per second per second (named after Galileo)
Guy
A person see usage notes.
Gal
Alliterative term for girl (or woman)
Guy
Character, personality (not referring to a person, but pretending to)
The dog's left foreleg was broken, poor little guy.
This guy, here, controls the current, and this guy, here, measures the voltage.
This guy is the partial derivative of that guy with respect to x.
Guy
Buster, Mack, fella, bud, man.
Hey, guy, give a man a break, would ya?
Guy
A guide; a leader or conductor.
Guy
A support rope or cable used to aid in hoisting or lowering.
Guy
A support to secure or steady structures prone to shift their position or be carried away (e.g. the mast of a ship or a suspension bridge).
Guy
(intransitive) To exhibit an effigy of Guy Fawkes around the 5th November.
Guy
(transitive) To make fun of, to ridicule with wit or innuendo.
Guy
To play in a comedic manner.
Guy
To equip with a support cable.
Guy
A rope, chain, or rod attached to anything to steady it; as: a rope to steady or guide an object which is being hoisted or lowered; a rope which holds in place the end of a boom, spar, or yard in a ship; a chain or wire rope connecting a suspension bridge with the land on either side to prevent lateral swaying; a rod or rope attached to the top of a structure, as of a derrick, and extending obliquely to the ground, where it is fastened.
Guy
A grotesque effigy, like that of Guy Fawkes, dressed up in England on the fifth of November, the day of the Gunpowder Plot.
The lady . . . who dresses like a guy.
Guy
A person of queer looks or dress.
Guy
A man or young man; a fellow; - usually contrasted with gals or girls as, it was fun for both the guys and gals; the guys were watching football while the girls played bridge.
Guy
A member of a group of either sex, usually a friend or comrade; - usually used in the pl.; as, tell the guys to come inside; are any of you guys interested in a game of tennis?.
Guy
To steady or guide with a guy.
Guy
To fool; to baffle; to make (a person) an object of ridicule.
Guy
An informal term for a youth or man;
A nice guy
The guy's only doing it for some doll
Guy
An effigy of Guy Fawkes that is burned on a bonfire on Guy Fawkes Day
Guy
A rope or cable that is used to brace something (especially a tent)
Guy
Subject to laughter or ridicule;
The satirists ridiculed the plans for a new opera house
The students poked fun at the inexperienced teacher
His former students roasted the professor at his 60th birthday
Guy
Steady or support with with a guy wire or cable;
The Italians guyed the Tower of Pisa to prevent it from collapsing
Guy
Guy is often used as an informal synonym for a male friend.
I'm going to watch the game with the guys.
Guy
Guy can refer to males in informal conversation.
That guy seems nice.
Guy
Guy is a colloquial term denoting a male individual.
The guy in the blue shirt is my brother.
Guy
Guy is a versatile term used to refer to individuals or groups.
Hey guys, let’s get going!
FAQs
Are "gal" and "guy" synonymous?
No, "gal" denotes a female, and "guy" predominantly denotes a male.
Can "gal" refer to a group?
It can, as in “gals,” but it’s less commonly used to refer to groups compared to “guys.”
Can "gal" be used in formal settings?
It’s best to avoid using "gal" in formal contexts as it is an informal term.
Are "gal" and "guy" formal terms?
No, both "gal" and "guy" are informal terms.
Is "gal" gender-neutral like "guy"?
No, "gal" specifically refers to females, whereas "guy" can be gender-neutral, especially in plural form.
Is "gal" offensive?
Typically, "gal" is not offensive, but it can be seen as informal and potentially condescending in certain contexts.
Is "guy" appropriate for formal writing?
No, “guy” is considered informal and is typically avoided in formal writing.
Is the usage of "gal" dated?
"Gal" is often considered more dated compared to "guy."
Can "guys" refer to a mixed-gender group?
Yes, "guys" is often used as a gender-neutral term to refer to mixed-gender groups in informal contexts.
Is "gal" a slang term?
Yes, "gal" is considered a slang or colloquial term for a woman or girl.
Is "guy" used internationally?
Yes, "guy" is widely understood and used in various international English-speaking contexts.
Is "guy" derogatory?
Generally, "guy" is not derogatory and is commonly used in informal contexts.
Can "guy" refer to women?
When pluralized to "guys," it can be used as a gender-neutral term to address groups including women.
Can "gal" and "guy" be used in professional settings?
Both terms are informal and are usually not appropriate for professional or formal settings; more formal terms should be used instead.
Is "gal" used as widely as "guy"?
"Guy" is generally used more widely and flexibly compared to "gal."
About Author
Written by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
Edited by
Harlon MossHarlon is a seasoned quality moderator and accomplished content writer for Difference Wiki. An alumnus of the prestigious University of California, he earned his degree in Computer Science. Leveraging his academic background, Harlon brings a meticulous and informed perspective to his work, ensuring content accuracy and excellence.
