Is "Mate" a gender neutral term

[Ryuichi13]

It may be, in the states if someone addresses a group of individuals, mixed or singular genders, it sometimes goes like..."how are you guys doing" or "what do you guys want to do" etc.
I does seem odd that it is that way.  One wouldn't think "guy" is directed as a feminine term, but it is sometimes.

I use "guys," "dude" and "man" when referring to a group of all males, or mixed males and females (including any NBs).  When it's a group of females, I use "ladies." 

I always thought "mate" was a UK/Australian term for male friends.  We don't use it much here.

I'm American, if that makes a difference.

Ryuichi

[CynthiaAnn]

I use the word Mate often to refer to my wife / "soul mate" here.

I know this word gets a lot of use in AU....Interesting to read other's posts....

Cynthia -