Dude is American slang for an individual, typically male. [1] From the 1870s to the 1960s, dude primarily meant a male person who dressed in an extremely fashionable manner (a dandy) or a conspicuous …

Nov 7, 2025 · What does dude mean, exactly? At its most basic, dude just means a guy or a person (“that dude over there”). But dude is one of the most versatile words in the English language. It can …

Jul 30, 2025 · The word "dude" is often associated with the '80s and '90s. But its origin is rooted much, much farther back in American history and it took a long and winding road to reach the coast of...

“Dude” is a term that has gained popularity in Canadian slang over the years, often used to refer to a close friend, someone who is laid back or just a general term of address.

The meaning of DUDE is a man extremely fastidious in dress and manner : dandy. How to use dude in a sentence.

Feb 9, 2026 · Though the term "dude" originated as a term to describe a certain type of male, and then later to refer to men in general, today it is often used to refer to both genders, at least in certain parts …

Unlock the meaning of "dude" with our guide to this classic American slang! Learn how to use it correctly, understand its context, and sound like a native speaker.

Factsheet What does the word dude mean? There are six meanings listed in OED's entry for the word dude. See ‘Meaning & use’ for definitions, usage, and quotation evidence.

Apr 22, 2024 · Ever wonder about the origin of the word “dude”? This word is first recorded in the late 1800s as a word for a man who is foppish and fastidious, meaning he’s tidy, well-dressed and cultured.

dude (dud, dyud) n. 1. a man excessively concerned with his clothes, grooming, and manners. 2. Slang. a fellow. 3. a person reared in a large city.