dude
dood
Dude (noun) means (informal) A man, especially a young man. Example: “The dude at the next table kept laughing at his own jokes.”
noun
1
(informal) A man, especially a young man.
"The dude at the next table kept laughing at his own jokes."
"Some dude on a skateboard zoomed past us down the hill."
"That dude over there is my roommate from college."
intj
1
(informal) An exclamation of surprise, excitement, or annoyance.
"Dude, you left the oven on again, and the cake is burnt!"
"Dude! That was the best goal I have ever seen."
""Dude, you will not believe what just happened!""
"Dude! You finally called!"
How to use dude
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA casual American term for a man, or an exclamation used to express strong reaction.
When to use it
Very informal — common in casual speech, rare in formal writing.
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Word forms
- Plural
- dudes
- Third person singular
- dudes
- Past tense
- duded
Fill the gap
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The _____ at the next table kept laughing at his own jokes.
Etymology
Of uncertain origin, likely a clipping of "doodle" as in "Yankee Doodle Dandy"; first recorded in 1883 New York slang for a fussy, overdressed man.
Class of 1883
dude joined the language around 1883.
See the full Class of 1883 →
Related words
Rhymes for dude
See all rhymes for dude →Frequently asked questions
What does “dude” mean?
The word “dude” means (informal) A man, especially a young man. In plain terms, a casual American term for a man, or an exclamation used to express strong reaction.
How do you pronounce “dude”?
“Dude” is pronounced dood (/duːd/ in IPA).
How do you use “dude” in a sentence?
Here is “dude” used in a sentence: “That dude over there is my roommate from college.”
What part of speech is “dude”?
Depending on how it is used, “dude” can be a noun and an intj.
Where does the word “dude” come from?
The word “dude” dates back to around 1883. Of uncertain origin, likely a clipping of "doodle" as in "Yankee Doodle Dandy"; first recorded in 1883 New York slang for a fussy, overdressed man.
Is “dude” a common word?
“Dude” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
How many meanings does “dude” have?
“Dude” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: (informal) A man, especially a young man.
Is "dude" formal or informal?
Dude is informal slang. It fits casual conversation among friends but feels out of place in professional writing, formal speech, or respectful address. Besides naming a man, it often works as a casual exclamation of surprise, agreement, or emphasis, as in "Dude, no way!"
Can "dude" be used for a woman?
Traditionally, dude means a man. In very casual speech, especially American English, it is sometimes used to address anyone regardless of gender, or simply as an interjection. Even so, many people still hear it as male, so whether it fits depends on the group and setting.
What is the difference between "dude" and "guy"?
Both are informal words for a man, but "guy" is more neutral and widely accepted, even in mixed company, as in "you guys." "Dude" is slangier and more casual, often carrying a relaxed, friendly tone linked to youth and to surfer or skater culture.
What is an example of "dude" in a sentence?
"That dude over there is my brother" uses it to mean a man. As an exclamation, "Dude, that's amazing!" shows surprise or excitement. Both are casual and friendly, and both are far more common in everyday speech than in formal writing.
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