Is the reference 'you guys' universal, or just the States?

I picked up the "you guys" expression watching the old Ozzie and Harriet shows when I was a kid. I still say it sometimes. It's sort of gotten ingrained. I'm pretty sure it's just an American thing but not positive. (How could you get more American than Ozzie & Harriet? LOL)

Here in Ireland, unless you are dealing with the rugby set who do use, 'you guys', you get 'the lads'. I have several English friends who also use 'lads', but I don't know if it is because it's a learned behavior from living here. They have also started calling girls, 'ladettes'. In France and Belgium, you will get 'les gar' for 'les garcons' (the men).

The origin of that phrase comes from New Jersey. I grew up there and it started as "yous guys" as a slang for you guys when referring to our male friends. Before you knew it you would here it being used in a cross gender reference. Then it evolved to "you guys" by the rest of the nation. Because the U.S. is a trend setter and rule breaker, it spread internationally. Back in Jersey guys of all backgrounds still refer to each other as "yous guys."

It is a difficult thing to decide, people sounds like you are picking on a race. I can remember growing up my very bigoted and raciest parents and grandparents spoke about those people. They used racial slurs and names that make me blush in shame, So yes I do use you guys and to me it feels like I am addressing mostly friends. with a stranger or two mixed in. To me it is a friendly greeting, But that is just my feelings and my thoughts and I am sure there are people that may be offended by it.