dude

[keannu]

Is "dude" used to belittle someone or is it a friendly meaning?

16)You're giving us more money, right dude?

 

[witua]

It's a friendly meaning, kind of like buddy. And it's not used to belittle someone.

Not a teacher.

 

[emsr2d2]

Some people might not like being addressed that way but I've never heard it used to belittle someone. It's just a friendly greeting. I have a friend who uses it with almost everyone he knows, male and female.

 

[MikeNewYork]

And then there is "dudette".

 

[lotus888]

I like saying "dudes and dudettes". But, I've never heard anyone else say it. Too bad, I think it's a very catchy phrase.

When I was young (younger), only boys would call other boys "dudes". Now girls call girls "dude" too. I find that rather strange.

But language is dynamic -- and we use what fits our fancy.



--lotus

 

[emsr2d2]

The same friend I mentioned in my previous post sometimes tried to use "dudette" for the girls but none of us liked it so he reverted to "dude" for everyone.