CaliSlang

dude

doodnoun
SlangDifficulty 1 of 3: Widely known

Definition

A casual term of address, used for people of any gender, and a filler while the speaker thinks.

In simple English: A friendly word for a person; also a pause word.

Examples

  • Dude, you have to try this taco.

  • I was talking to this dude on the train.

Usage notes

Came out of surf culture and is now one of the most widely recognized Californianisms in the world. Safe in casual speech; odd in a job interview.

At a glance

Track
Slang
Region
Statewide
Part of speech
noun

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