dude

[dood, dyood]

noun

1. a man excessively concerned with his clothes, grooming, and manners.

2. Slang

   1. a fellow; chap.

   2. (a general term of address used to a man, woman, or group).

3. a person reared in a large city.

4. Western U.S.,  an urban Easterner who vacations on a ranch.

interjection

1. Slang,  (an expression of shock, approval, sympathy, or other strong feeling).

   Dude! That's one expensive sandwich!

verb phrase

1. dude up,  to dress in one's fanciest, best, or most stylish clothes; dress up.

   He got all duded up to go to the dance.

dude

/ duːd, djuːd /

noun

1. a city dweller, esp one holidaying on a ranch

2. a dandy

3. a person: often used to any male in direct address

Other Word Forms

• dudishly adverb
• dudish adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of dude¹

An Americanism dating back to 1880–85; origin uncertain

Word History and Origins

Origin of dude¹

C19: of unknown origin

Example Sentences

A friend texted: “Oh hell no Ricardo I thought you was joking. I will not speak to you ever again if you become and ice agent ... You have a dad who was deported dude.”

From Los Angeles Times

You’re like, “No, I think it worked out, dude. I’m right where I’m supposed to be.”

From Los Angeles Times

At the right-wing media company The Daily Wire, the ladies’ auxiliary keeps outdoing the dudes.

From Salon

We went to eat at a restaurant in Mexico City and the dude just seemed really cool to me.

From Los Angeles Times

“This is a deepfake, dude. Please use your critical thinking skills,” she wrote.

From Salon

Related Words

• buddy 
• chap 
• fellow