Dude

Berry-wall-king-dudes.jpg

1883_-_origin_of_dude_-_Chicago_Tribune_-_25_Feb_1883.jpg

Dude is a colloquial term that generally refers to a man or a person. The term has evolved over time and has various connotations depending on the context in which it is used.

Etymology

The word "dude" originated in the late 19th century as a term for a dandy, a man who is excessively concerned with his appearance and manners. The exact origin of the term is unclear, but it is believed to have been derived from the word "doodle," as in "Yankee Doodle."

Historical Usage

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, "dude" was used to describe a man who was overly concerned with fashion and appearance. This usage was particularly common in the Western United States, where it was used to describe city dwellers who were visiting rural areas and were unfamiliar with the local customs and lifestyle.

Modern Usage

In contemporary usage, "dude" is a casual term that can refer to any person, regardless of gender. It is often used as a term of address or to express surprise or excitement. For example, "Dude, did you see that?" or "Hey dude, what's up?"

Cultural Impact

The term "dude" has been popularized in various forms of media, including movies, television shows, and music. One of the most notable examples is the 1998 film The Big Lebowski, in which the main character, Jeffrey Lebowski, is commonly referred to as "The Dude."

Related Terms

• Bro
• Guy
• Man
• Buddy

See Also

• The Big Lebowski
• Slang
• Colloquialism
• Western United States

edit 

WikiMD needs you!

This WikiMD article Dude is a stub.
If you are a subject matter expert or authority on Dude, you can help us.
About | Mission | Paid editors welcome. WikiMD needs you!

‎ This WikiMD article is a slang term.