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.