Think about the last time you walked into a car meet or joined an online forum for car lovers. Maybe you heard someone say, "This ride is for the boys," or "Real men don’t drive hybrids." These phrases might seem harmless, but they push people away-people who love cars just as much as anyone else. Car culture has always been about passion, tinkering, and pride. But it doesn’t have to be exclusive. Inclusive language isn’t about policing words-it’s about making sure everyone feels welcome to be part of the ride.
Why Language Matters in Car Communities
Car clubs, Reddit threads, YouTube comment sections, and drag strips all have their own slang and inside jokes. But when that slang assumes gender, ability, income level, or background, it builds walls instead of bridges. A 2023 survey by the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association found that 68% of women and non-binary car enthusiasts have left a group or forum because they felt unwelcome. That’s not just a loss of members-it’s a loss of ideas, skills, and fresh energy.
Language shapes culture. If every conversation starts with "guys," it sends a message that this space isn’t for others. If you only praise muscle cars as "real cars," you’re telling electric vehicle owners they don’t belong. Car culture doesn’t need to shrink to grow-it needs to open up.
What Inclusive Language Looks Like
Switching to inclusive language doesn’t mean rewriting the dictionary. It means choosing words that don’t assume who’s at the table. Here’s how:
- Replace "guys," "boys," or "lads" with "everyone," "folks," or "team." Saying "Hey everyone, check out this new exhaust setup" is just as natural-and far more welcoming.
- Avoid gendered terms like "man up" or "girl power" when talking about car performance. Instead, say "step it up" or "that’s a solid build."
- Don’t assume someone’s knowledge level. Instead of "You should know this," try "I learned this last year-here’s how it works."
- Don’t use "real car" as a value judgment. A modified Toyota Corolla is just as much a "real car" as a restored Mustang. Call them by their actual names: "tuner," "resto-mod," "EV," "truck."
- Respect pronouns. If someone introduces themselves as Alex and uses they/them pronouns, use them. It’s not complicated-it’s basic respect.
One club in Portland started a simple rule: no gendered terms in their Discord server. Within six months, membership grew by 40%, and the number of first-time builders-many of them women and trans folks-doubled. They didn’t change the cars. They changed the language.
Common Phrases to Avoid (and What to Say Instead)
Some phrases are so common in car circles that people don’t even notice they’re exclusionary. Here’s a quick guide:
| Exclusionary Phrase | Why It’s Problematic | Inclusive Alternative |
|---|---|---|
| "It’s a man’s car." | Implies ownership or appreciation is gendered. | "This car has a great stance." |
| "Real men drive diesel." | Links identity to vehicle type; alienates non-male enthusiasts. | "Diesel engines offer great torque for towing." |
| "That’s not a real tuner." | Gatekeeps who gets to be part of the scene. | "That’s a cool mod. I’ve never seen that setup before." |
| "You’re too young to know about this." | Dismisses passion based on age. | "I started with the same model when I was your age. Want to swap stories?" |
| "I don’t drive that kind of car." | Implies some cars are inferior or not "real." | "I prefer something with more power. What do you like about yours?" |
How to Start Changing the Culture
Changing language doesn’t happen overnight. But small actions add up.
- Lead by example. If you’re the one who says "everyone" instead of "guys," others will follow.
- Call out exclusionary language gently. A simple, "Hey, maybe we could say "folks" here?" works better than a lecture.
- Update your group rules. Add a line to your club charter: "We welcome all genders, backgrounds, and vehicle types. Language that excludes others won’t be tolerated."
- Train your moderators. Online forums need clear guidelines. If someone says, "Only real drivers here," a moderator should be ready to respond with, "All drivers are welcome here. Let’s keep it respectful."
- Highlight diverse builders. Share posts from women, LGBTQ+, disabled, and BIPOC car enthusiasts. Visibility changes perception.
One Facebook group in Ohio started a monthly feature called "Build of the Week," where they spotlighted a different member’s project-no matter the car type or the builder’s identity. Within a year, the group went from 2,000 to over 8,000 members. The most popular posts? The ones featuring a single mom who restored a 1998 Civic, and a veteran who built a wheelchair-accessible Jeep.
What Happens When You Don’t Change
Ignoring this isn’t neutrality-it’s complicity. Car culture is already changing. Younger generations expect inclusion. Brands like Ford, Toyota, and Subaru are launching marketing campaigns that feature diverse drivers and builders. Meanwhile, clubs that cling to old language are shrinking.
Look at the numbers: In 2015, only 22% of car club members identified as female. By 2025, that number jumped to 41%. The same trend shows up in motorsports, DIY repair shops, and online communities. The people are coming. Are your words ready for them?
Clubs that refuse to adapt aren’t protecting tradition-they’re erasing their future.
It’s Not About Being Perfect-It’s About Being Present
You’re not going to get it right every time. Maybe you slip and say "guys" without thinking. That’s okay. Apologize, correct yourself, and move on. The goal isn’t perfection-it’s awareness.
When someone corrects you, don’t get defensive. Say, "Thanks for letting me know. I’ll do better." That’s the kind of attitude that builds trust.
Car culture thrives on passion. But passion doesn’t have a gender, a race, a body type, or a bank account. It’s in the smell of hot oil, the sound of a tuned engine, the pride of a clean interior. Those things belong to everyone.
So next time you’re at a meet, in a forum, or just posting a photo of your ride-ask yourself: Is this language bringing people in… or pushing them out?
Frequently Asked Questions
Isn’t inclusive language just political correctness?
No. This isn’t about politics-it’s about people. If your language makes someone feel like they don’t belong in a space they love, that’s not "political correctness." That’s exclusion. Inclusive language is about making sure everyone can enjoy cars without having to shrink themselves to fit in.
What if I’m not sure what words to use?
Start simple. Use "everyone," "folks," or "team" instead of gendered terms. Ask people how they’d like to be referred to. If someone says, "I’m non-binary and use they/them," just use those pronouns. Most people appreciate the effort more than they care about a perfect word.
Does this apply to slang like "ride," "beast," or "hot rod"?
Yes, but not in the way you might think. Words like "ride" or "hot rod" are neutral-they’re just slang. The problem isn’t the words themselves, but how they’re used to exclude. Saying "Only real hot rods are V8s" shuts out people who love modified EVs or diesel trucks. Focus on the intent behind the language, not just the words.
My club has been around for 30 years. Isn’t this changing our tradition?
Tradition doesn’t mean staying frozen in time. The people who built those clubs didn’t do it to exclude-they did it because they loved cars. Inclusion doesn’t erase that legacy. It expands it. Your club’s history is still there. Now, it’s open to more people who want to add to it.
What if someone says I’m being too sensitive?
You’re not being sensitive-you’re being respectful. If someone says, "It’s just a word," ask them: "Would you feel welcome if someone said, ‘This is for white guys only’?" Language has power. It doesn’t take much to make someone feel seen. And that’s worth more than holding onto outdated phrases.
Next Steps
Start today. Pick one thing:
- Change your Discord or Facebook group bio to include a welcome message that names inclusion as a core value.
- Call out one exclusionary phrase in your next thread and offer a better alternative.
- Share a post from a builder who doesn’t look like the "typical" car enthusiast.
Car culture is bigger than any one person, any one car, or any one stereotype. It’s about the love of machines-and that love doesn’t come with conditions. The road ahead is wide. Let’s make sure everyone has room to drive on it.
Anuj Kumar
January 3, 2026 AT 06:44This whole post is just woke nonsense. Cars don't care about your pronouns. If you can't handle the word 'guys' then maybe you shouldn't be at a car meet. Real enthusiasts don't need hand-holding.
Christina Morgan
January 3, 2026 AT 10:37I love how this breaks down the language shift so clearly. I used to say 'guys' all the time until I realized how many people flinched when I did. Now I say 'folks' or 'team'-it’s just as easy and makes the whole vibe better. Seriously, try it. You won’t lose anything but the baggage.
Kathy Yip
January 3, 2026 AT 15:24i think this is really important but also... what if someone just doesnt know better? like i grew up hearing 'real men drive diesels' and never thought twice. it's not malice, it's just habit. maybe the goal should be education over shaming? i'm trying to unlearn this stuff slowly.
Bridget Kutsche
January 3, 2026 AT 18:44As someone who rebuilt her first engine at 19 and got told 'that's not for girls' a hundred times-this hit hard. I didn't leave because I didn't love cars. I left because I felt like I had to earn my place. This isn't about politics. It's about making space for people who’ve been told they don't belong. And trust me-they're out there. And they're good at this.
Jack Gifford
January 4, 2026 AT 02:51Minor grammar note: 'they/them' is grammatically correct as a singular pronoun. It’s been used in English since the 1300s. The real issue isn't language-it's resistance to change. And honestly? The sooner we adapt, the sooner we stop losing talent to toxic environments.
Sarah Meadows
January 5, 2026 AT 15:38America is being destroyed by this softness. Real car culture was built by hardworking men who didn't care about your feelings. If you can't handle a little 'boys will be boys' mentality, go join a knitting circle. We don't need your PC nonsense here.
Nathan Pena
January 6, 2026 AT 11:16Let’s be intellectually honest: this isn’t about inclusion-it’s about ideological colonization of a historically male-dominated space. The erosion of vernacular is a symptom of cultural decay. 'Real car' isn’t a value judgment-it’s a technical distinction. You can’t equate a modified Corolla with a 1969 Camaro and call it semantics. The language reflects reality, not social engineering.
Mike Marciniak
January 7, 2026 AT 21:41Did you know the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association is funded by NGOs pushing gender agendas? The 68% statistic is fabricated. They’re using fear to push compliance. The real decline in membership? It’s because kids today don’t even know how to change a tire. This isn’t about language-it’s about control.
VIRENDER KAUL
January 8, 2026 AT 13:14It is a matter of profound observation that the linguistic paradigm presented herein constitutes a subtle yet systematic reconfiguration of cultural norms that have historically governed automotive discourse. The imposition of ideologically driven terminology risks the dilution of authentic enthusiast identity. One must question whether the preservation of tradition is synonymous with oppression, or whether the elevation of inclusivity may, in fact, represent a form of cultural hegemony disguised as benevolence.
Mbuyiselwa Cindi
January 10, 2026 AT 10:24From South Africa, I can say this: when I first joined a local car group, they said 'y'all' and it felt like home. No one asked my gender, my race, or my bank balance. Just 'can you help me with this suspension?' That’s the spirit. Keep it simple. Be kind. Let the cars speak.
Krzysztof Lasocki
January 11, 2026 AT 04:30Oh wow, so now we’re supposed to apologize for saying 'guys'? Next you’ll tell me I can’t call my 1972 Charger a 'beast' because it makes someone feel 'unseen'. Cool. I’ll just drive my beast to the strip where the real enthusiasts are. The rest of you can keep your safe spaces and your pronoun badges.
Henry Kelley
January 12, 2026 AT 12:10honestly i used to be one of those guys who said 'real men drive diesel' but then i met this girl who built a 300hp civic outta scrap parts and i was like... wow. she didn't need to be 'one of the guys' to be better than half the forum. language matters because it shapes who feels like they can show up. i'm still learning. thanks for the reminder.
ujjwal fouzdar
January 12, 2026 AT 23:39There is a deeper truth here, buried beneath the noise of performative wokeness and the hollow rituals of linguistic compliance. The car is not a metaphor for identity-it is a mirror. And those who fear the shift in language do so not because they love cars less, but because they fear losing the illusion of dominance. The engine does not care if you are man, woman, or neither. It only responds to torque, timing, and truth. The real crisis is not in our words-it is in our souls, when we mistake exclusion for heritage, and silence for strength. The road does not end where the pavement does. It begins where the heart dares to welcome.