[aestra]

Let me ask you a question (assuming you are a man)

Would you like to be called a boy?

Imagine being addressed like this (in a group of 90% women)

"Hello ladies and boys"

Wouldn't that feel insulting? And weird?

[theorique]

Speaking as a man, if I were in a mixed group and addressed in various ways:

guys and girls - OK. Very casual.

ladies and gentlemen - OK. Somewhat more formal.

men and women - Weird. Sounds stilted.

boys and girls - OK, depending on tone. Would work better with an ironic tone when addressed to adults. Would sound stupid if expressed in kindergarten teacher tone.

ladies and boys - seems a bit forced. Also, it makes me think of "ladyboys" (e.g. transgendered Thai prostitutes)

[telephonetemp]

Your analogy was helpful. Thanks.