It’s Monday morning, and the first email in your inbox begins: “Hi guys…” Most of us don’t think twice about it. But did you know that this word comes from a man who tried to blow up the English Parliament in 1605?
But who was this man? Let´s go back in time...
Bonfire Night today
Every 5 November, people across the UK watch fireworks, light bonfires and burn a “guy”: a figure made of old clothes. More than 400 years later, the tradition is still going strong.
From “Guy” to “guys”
Those figures were called “guys”. Over time, the word came to mean simply “a man”, and today “you guys” is used for any group of people, including women. Some professionals think “Hi guys” is friendly and gender-neutral. Others say some colleagues may feel left out, and prefer “Hi everyone” or “Hi team”.
AI generated
A modern illustration of the plot. Can you spot the mistake? Big Ben wasn’t built until the 1850s!
REMEMBER, REMEMBER
“Remember, Remember” is a traditional English folk rhyme about the Gunpowder Plot of 1605. It has no known author
Remember, Remember
The Bonfire Night rhyme · 5th November
Drag each word into the correct gap. On a phone, tap a word and then tap a gap. Tap a filled gap to take the word back.
Word bank
Listen to the rhyme
Complete all 10 gaps correctly to unlock the audio.
Let’s talk
Should professionals stop using “Hi guys” at work, or is it just a friendly greeting today? Think about who you are writing to, the company and the culture.
How do people start emails and chat messages where you work? Is it different with clients?
The plot failed because of one anonymous letter. What makes employees feel safe to report a problem at work?
Does your company have any traditions? Do they still have a real purpose?
Picture: AI generated
Final takeaway
In 1605, one short letter changed history. At work, one short word can change how your message lands. So before you type “Hi guys”, ask yourself: is this the right word for this reader?
