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In reply to the discussion: What do you think of the term "Dude"? [View all]kentauros
(29,414 posts)75. Can't stand it
I find its use especially idiotic.
Also, I just learned this about its origins. Sorry, West Coast
dude
1883, "fastidious man," New York City slang of unknown origin. The vogue word of 1883, originally used in reference to the devotees of the "aesthetic" craze, later applied to city slickers, especially Easterners vacationing in the West (e.g. dude ranch, first recorded 1921).
Application to any male is recorded by 1966, U.S., originally in Black English.
1883, "fastidious man," New York City slang of unknown origin. The vogue word of 1883, originally used in reference to the devotees of the "aesthetic" craze, later applied to city slickers, especially Easterners vacationing in the West (e.g. dude ranch, first recorded 1921).
Now, "tenderfoot" is not to be construed as the Western equivalent of that much evolved and more abused specimen of mankind, familiarly styled "dude." For even the Montana cowboy recognizes the latter. Not that he has ever seen the true prototype of a class that was erstwhile so numerous among us. But he is convinced that a person caught in the act of wearing a white linen collar, and who looks as though he might have recently shaved or washed his face, must be a dude, true and proper. {"Random Notes and Observations of a Trip through the Great Northwest," "The Medical Record," Oct. 20, 1883}
Application to any male is recorded by 1966, U.S., originally in Black English.
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I'm retired, but in my day, any use of Sir to a female servicemember would meet with a correction.
MADem
May 2012
#84
With enough variety of tone and inflection, its the only word you really ever need
bhikkhu
May 2012
#51
I like it. It's the same as "che" in Argentina, works for male or female buds.
Common Sense Party
May 2012
#55
Its a west coast tradition; bestowing the moniker on us as part of the ceremony commemorating
Warren DeMontague
May 2012
#60
Oh, but clusters of lots of people mean that something exciting is happeniing!
CTyankee
May 2012
#96
A glorious city. I was just there, visiting the Isabella Gardner Museum and Trinity Church.
CTyankee
May 2012
#101
It's generational. It sounds odd to my ear, but I don't care if others want to use it.
MADem
May 2012
#83
The next time a guy calls me dude I'll just call him MA'AM and call it even ;) n/t
Tx4obama
May 2012
#91