Dude?

[dirtydog]

Can I ask why it is that British people use this word? They seem to use it where 'mate' would be more appropriate for a British person.

Is it an example of the creeping Americanisation of our language?

I find it irritating and inappropriate when used by a fellow Briton

Who here uses that word, and why?

 

[dirtydog]

Language evolves dude.

Or does it de-evolve Language changes but whether it constitutes evolution is debatable.

 

[dirtydog]

Even worse is the word Rad. I had this used on me yesterday, in place of words like great, excellent etc.

Like totally rad, dude!

 

[dirtydog]

Xenophobia is rife in this country.

An interesting assertion but is it relevant?

 

[dirtydog]

i use it reasonably frequently, usually "cheers dude"
i dont like saying mate

Why don't you like saying mate?

Mate is a British word (and adopted by other English speaking nations like Australia). Dude is a Californian word.

 

[dirtydog]

What about 'pal'?

That's fine and I use that word sometimes, which is synonymous with mate.

 

[dirtydog]

There is no such thing as de-evolving.

Something becoming worse than it was originally.

 

[dirtydog]

So it's ok for other countries to adopt our words, but not vice versa?

What other countries do is up to them

 

[dirtydog]

I just dont particularly like it, I've had too many issues with using it in the past, working on doors and the other security work I do it can get peoples back up "i'm not your mate" etc, not fussed if people call me it, i just dont like to use it, I see dude as more australian/surfer culture than american

I know some (silly) people can take offence when you call them mate, although I don't know why.

 

[dirtydog]

I use it from time to time. Don't see an issue with it.

I'm surprised that you would choose to use a Yankism, being a proud Yorkshireman and all

 

[dirtydog]

Same (silly) people that take offence at dude I guess? Some people will get the arse about anything..

Dude is an Americanism. Mate has been British since forever.

 

[dirtydog]

I think 'mate's definately more English than Scottish. Pal's more suited here i'd say.

One thing i hate though is 'Chief'... HATE IT i find it patronising.

Chief is another word like mate or pal. The person using it does not mean to patronise you

 

[dirtydog]

I say dude all the time, but then again I'm from California

You are allowed to say it

 

[dirtydog]

You'd think that perhaps but chief is so multi-purpose - I use it when talking to good mates and to people that I have taken a dislike to and anyone in between, it is all in the tone of voice.

To what will no doubt be your everlasting disappointment I also say dude to good mates on occasion, simply a casual greeting, I'm not massively concerned with the etymology of it. I could equally use pal, mate or chief but I try and vary my vocabulary sometimes.

Okay but why is Britain, the home of the English language after all, adopting (awful) Americanisms, when the US itself isn't adopting ours? I doubt many Californians go round saying 'mate'.

 

[dirtydog]

I use dude all the time

I sometimes call people Son, like i have on here numerous times which always ends up in an argument with some snotty little **** going "dont patronise me, just because im younger" or you get back "ok Dad" which is equally annoying

Dude is better and it didnt start with Waynes world or Dude, wheres my car

Son is London/Essex speak; dude comes from west coast USA...

 

[dirtydog]

Because we watch a lot of tv, films, and american based media.

As do I, but I don't feel the need to copy everything I hear, parrot fashion

 

[dirtydog]

As opposed to addressing everyone as 'Mein Fuhrer'?

What?