dude
Created | Updated Mar 24, 2002
The word "dude" is one of the most interesting words in American English slang. One very officious dictionary defines the term as:
n.[invented term, 1883],
1. a dandy; fop.
2. [Western Slang], a city fellow or tourist, especially an Easterner.
For most modern Americans, however, even this definition requires some explaining and amplification. One would not only, more likely than not, need to define dandy and fop, but would also have to explain that "Westerner" and "Easterner" relate to the relative parts of the United States as opposed to West and East in a more wordly view, and also that the East refers specifically to the North East, stereotyped for its industrial nature, and the South West, stereotyped here for the well-known cowboy characteristics. [Though it must be added as the opinion of this researcher that some stereotypes bear a bit of truth with them.]
In terms of amplification, one would basically need to scrap this definition entirely and start from scratch.
"Dude" is an exceptionally versatile word. Depending on the tone used with its utterance, it can span a variety of meanings. It can be an exclamation of delight, an expression of dark horror, a cry of anger, a paean of love, and everything inside, outside, and inbetween these meager definitions. This word is not for use by the novice speaker, and should be examined carefully if heard, to avoid misunderstandings of tone. "Dude" can be used many times in a single sentence, with only the tone and familiarity with the speaker to guide the listener to the conversation's meaning. Observe:
American 1: Dude [greeting], yesterday I talked to dude [reference to mutually known individual] and he said "Dude [exclamation of realization]! I haven't seen dude [reference to American 2] in forever! Next time you see him, tell him dude [greeting] for me."
American 2: Dude [word of appreciation]. That dude [reference to mutually known individual] rocks.
American 1: Dude. [word of understanding and agreement--usually accompanied by head nod]
There are many different stories surrounding the word's origins. One such story claims that the story was created by Oscar Wilde, as a combination of the words "dud" and "attitude". Another claims that the word was formed by cowboys in the west to refer (unfavorably) to city dwellers (some say by comparing them to horse patties). Of course, none of these possible origins change its current complex maze of meanings one whit.
I recommend the use of the word for advance speakers only. Any who do choose to use this word do so at their own risk. Neither Grey, h2g2, or any other official or unofficial entity involved with this Guide accepts any responsibility for anything you, or indeed, anything anyone does. Any complaints please go to the complaints' department down in brown sector under the sign that reads "Go stick your head in a pig."
n.[invented term, 1883],
1. a dandy; fop.
2. [Western Slang], a city fellow or tourist, especially an Easterner.
For most modern Americans, however, even this definition requires some explaining and amplification. One would not only, more likely than not, need to define dandy and fop, but would also have to explain that "Westerner" and "Easterner" relate to the relative parts of the United States as opposed to West and East in a more wordly view, and also that the East refers specifically to the North East, stereotyped for its industrial nature, and the South West, stereotyped here for the well-known cowboy characteristics. [Though it must be added as the opinion of this researcher that some stereotypes bear a bit of truth with them.]
In terms of amplification, one would basically need to scrap this definition entirely and start from scratch.
"Dude" is an exceptionally versatile word. Depending on the tone used with its utterance, it can span a variety of meanings. It can be an exclamation of delight, an expression of dark horror, a cry of anger, a paean of love, and everything inside, outside, and inbetween these meager definitions. This word is not for use by the novice speaker, and should be examined carefully if heard, to avoid misunderstandings of tone. "Dude" can be used many times in a single sentence, with only the tone and familiarity with the speaker to guide the listener to the conversation's meaning. Observe:
American 1: Dude [greeting], yesterday I talked to dude [reference to mutually known individual] and he said "Dude [exclamation of realization]! I haven't seen dude [reference to American 2] in forever! Next time you see him, tell him dude [greeting] for me."
American 2: Dude [word of appreciation]. That dude [reference to mutually known individual] rocks.
American 1: Dude. [word of understanding and agreement--usually accompanied by head nod]
There are many different stories surrounding the word's origins. One such story claims that the story was created by Oscar Wilde, as a combination of the words "dud" and "attitude". Another claims that the word was formed by cowboys in the west to refer (unfavorably) to city dwellers (some say by comparing them to horse patties). Of course, none of these possible origins change its current complex maze of meanings one whit.
I recommend the use of the word for advance speakers only. Any who do choose to use this word do so at their own risk. Neither Grey, h2g2, or any other official or unofficial entity involved with this Guide accepts any responsibility for anything you, or indeed, anything anyone does. Any complaints please go to the complaints' department down in brown sector under the sign that reads "Go stick your head in a pig."
