Dude Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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dude

[d(j)uːd ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

informal

A man; a guy; a person, especially a male

Synonyms

bloke, chap, fellow, guy.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
dude	Used casually and informally, mostly in American English, to address or refer to a man or boy, especially among younger people. Hey dude, what's up? That dude over there is really funny.
guy	Commonly used in both American and British English to refer informally to a man or boy. Can also be used in plural (guys) to refer to a mixed-gender group. Who's that guy standing by the door? Hey guys, let's go to the park.
fellow	A somewhat old-fashioned term used to refer to a man, and can be used in both formal and informal settings. He's a fellow of good character. That fellow looks familiar; where have I seen him before?
chap	Mostly used in British English to denote a man, often with an emphasis on friendliness or good-naturedness. He's a good chap, always ready to help. Do you remember that chap we met at the conference?
bloke	Used in British English to refer to an ordinary man; informal and colloquial. He's a nice bloke once you get to know him. I met a bloke at the pub who loves football.

Examples of usage

Hey dude, what's up?
He's a cool dude.
Dude, check this out!

^{Context #2 | Noun}

slang

A term of address for any person, regardless of gender

Synonyms

buddy, friend, mate, pal.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
dude	Typically used in casual or informal conversations, often among young people or close friends. Can be used to address someone or refer to a person in a relaxed manner. Hey dude, what's up? That dude over there is really good at basketball.
pal	An informal and somewhat old-fashioned term for a friend. It can also be used sarcastically or in a friendly teasing manner in certain contexts. He’s been my pal since childhood. You really messed up, pal.
buddy	Commonly used to refer to a close friend or companion. Often used in a friendly, affectionate tone and can sometimes be used when trying to comfort someone. Thanks for helping me out, buddy. Hey buddy, you alright?
mate	Commonly used in British and Australian English to refer to a friend or companion. It is often used in both casual and slightly more formal contexts but retains an informal tone. How's it going, mate? I haven't seen my mate in ages.
friend	A more formal and general term that can be used in both casual and professional settings to refer to someone with whom you share a good relationship. Suitable for a variety of contexts. Meet my friend, John. We're going out for dinner with some friends.

Examples of usage

Come on, dude, let's go!
Dude, that's awesome!

^{Context #3 | Noun}

informal

A surfer, skateboarder, or young person who is fashionable and laid-back

Synonyms

hippie, skateboarder, surfer.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
dude	In an informal setting, it can be used to address someone with surprise or emphasis. Dude, that was amazing! Dude, can you believe this?
surfer	Used to describe someone who rides ocean waves on a surfboard. Relevant in conversations about beach culture, sports, or travel. She’s an experienced surfer who travels to beaches around the world. The surfers hit the waves early in the morning.
skateboarder	Refers specifically to someone who rides a skateboard, often used in contexts related to sports, recreation, or youth culture. The park is full of skateboarders doing tricks. As a skateboarder, he spends most of his free time at the skate park.
hippie	Typically used to describe someone who embraces a 1960s lifestyle, often involving peace, love, and alternative living. It may have a nostalgic connotation. She’s such a hippie, always talking about peace and love. He dresses like a hippie, with tie-dye shirts and long hair.

Examples of usage

The beach was full of dudes catching waves.
He's such a California dude.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Pop Culture

The phrase 'What's up, dude?' became popularized in the 1980s through movies like 'Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure'.
In the 1998 animated film 'The Big Lebowski', the central character is affectionately called 'The Dude', cementing the word's laid-back connotation.
The word has seen varied usages in music, appearing in lyrics by bands across different genres, from punk to hip hop.

Sociolinguistics

Usage of 'dude' reflects a cultural shift toward more informal communication, particularly among younger generations.
The word is often used inclusively, transcending gender boundaries in many social contexts, since both men and women may refer to each other as 'dude'.
Regional variations exist; in some places, the term is used very casually, while in others, it may still carry specific connotations related to masculinity.

Literature

'Dude' has been featured prominently in literature that reflects youth culture, emphasizing themes of friendship and camaraderie.
Modern authors often incorporate slang like 'dude' to give characters a more relatable voice, connecting with younger audiences.
In poetry and prose, the term can evoke a sense of identity and belonging among certain social groups.

Psychology

Using informal language like 'dude' can create a sense of comfort and connection between speakers, fostering social bonds.
The casual nature of the word often alleviates tension in social situations, making it easier for people to relate to one another.
Studies reveal that friendly greetings that employ terms like 'dude' can have positive effects on one’s mood and openness in conversation.

Origin of 'dude'

Main points about word origin

The term 'dude' first appeared in the late 19th century, often used to describe a city man visiting the countryside.
Originally, 'dude' referred to a man who was overly concerned with his appearance and fashion.
By the 1960s and 70s, the meaning shifted to a more general term for a young man or friend, especially in surfing culture.

The word 'dude' originated in the United States in the late 19th century. Originally used to refer to a dandy, it later evolved to its current meanings, becoming popular in the 20th century, especially in surfer and skateboarder subcultures. Today, 'dude' is widely used in informal contexts and is a versatile term of address for any person.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #19,968, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.

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19965 khaki
19966 exhaustively
19967 constraining
19968 dude
19969 compacts
19970 dale
19971 unplanned
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