General
mate
What does mate mean?
A friend or companion; also used to address strangers, in friendliness or occasionally warning.
"Thanks, mate, appreciate it."
Origin
A long-standing British and Australian term for a friend, from Middle English, now also a universal casual form of address.
Frequently asked questions
What does mate mean in British slang?
Mate means friend, and is also a casual way to address anyone in the UK and Australia.
Is mate always friendly?
Usually, but said sharply it can be a warning or sarcastic.
Do Australians say mate too?
Yes — mate is hugely common in Australian English as well as British.
How do you use mate in a sentence?
For example: 'alright mate?' — a casual greeting.
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