On “Dude” Usage: A Seriocomic Investigation
By: Matt Thomas
Tags: Men, Ethnography, Language, Humor, Conversations

Yo dude, he’s the stallion Ween

Author’s Note: The following is essentially a piece of linguistic ethnography. In this piec we take a close look at the word “dude.” A comprehensive look at dude usage would, of course, rival War and Peace in length, and we only ever got to page 330 or so of that SOB. Therefore, what follows is a breakdown of some of the most common dude variants as used between, primarily, the American male of a certain demographic complexion. This is not satire; it is ethnography.

“Dude” I think, goes back to cowboy culture and something called “dude ranches.” I don’t really know what a dude ranch is; naturally I know a bit about the modern use of the term. Below are some examples of “dude in the wild.” The examples given are intended as neither endorsement or critique. Dude variants simply abide.

I. “Dude, what the f***?” One of the classic dude phrases, this is used to register sincere umbrage, usually with a friend or “mate.” Examples include: a friend says something unkind about a woman you both know, a friend steps in front of your putt on a golf course, a friend takes the last juice from your refrigerator without asking, etc. “Dude, what the f***?” is a little tart, however it contains an opportunity for the offender to climb down. Example:

Guy 1: Dude, I don’t know about that chick Tracy. She’s blowing me off and she’s really becoming kind of a bitch.

Guy 2: Dude, what the f***? You know Tracy’s a friend of mine and she’s cool people. Come on man.

Guy 1: Sorry man, you’re right. It’s just been a rough week.

Guy 2: Dude that’s totally understandable. We love you man – we got you.

Comment: Illustrated here is a principal of male friendship where guys can speak sharply to each other, offend for a moment, and just totally get over it the next second. Guys marvel at women, who sometimes seem to drag this reconciliation process out for aeons, counting themselves lucky, in this instance, to be guys.

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II. “Duuuuuude.” This is used when a guy sees a guy he knows and hasn’t seen for a while. It is often coupled with a hand shake and “bro-hug” and/ or a slap on the back. Example:

Guy I (seeing his friend approaching): “Duuuuude”

Guy II: Hey buddy, what’s up man?

Guy I: Duuuude, how the f*** are you?

Guy II: Dude, it’s crazy to see you man.

Guy I: Dude, I know right. So what are we doing? Are we drinking yet or what?

Comment: Illustrated here is the multi-purpose functionality of both “dude” and “man,” which may seem interchangeable to the untrained ear, but in fact have different nuances and ideal placements in male patter. And, a good long “duuuuuude” can be very satisfying to unleash.

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III. “Dude, that’s not the way we need this to go here”/ “Dude, that’s really not gonna get it done,” “Dude, I need you to take a step back and check yourself for a second,” etc. These are all part of the very wide set of phrases that a manager can use with a direct. Managerial theory is divided on whether or not “dude,” is acceptable in supervisory conversations of this sort and strong opinions exist on both sides. I side with the “yes” camp, but only in a basically dude-centric culture. As a middle-manger for many years in a former life, I have many times said things very similar to the above, using the person’s name or just “hold on” instead of “dude” as nods to a cross-cultural workplace. But in my head, I’m saying “dude” every time.

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IV. “Dude, man, I’ve been thinking…” This can go a lot of ways. It’s a crisper “dude,” and an entry into a SERIOUS TOPIC. Often found towards the end of drink two and into drink three, when guys are staring to get comfortable with their feelings, this phrase is usually either a precursor to a promise to spend more time together, or to a project or idea the guy has that he needs to share. Example:

Guy I: Dude, man, I’ve been thinking…

Guy II: Uh oh. That’s never good…

Guy I: Shut up dude and just listen for a second, man. I’m seriously thinking about building a greenhouse. Like seriously dude.

Guy II (thinking): Man, that actually sounds pretty sweet. A greenhouse. Cool man. That’s really cool.

Guy I: I’ve got a line on this guy who can get me the parts for like $400. I just have to assemble it. Man, this could really be big.

Guy II: F***, man. That’s awesome dude. I’m proud of you.

Comment: An exchange such as the above will often be accompanied by some light physical contact, actual or attempted, if not a full-on bro-hug.

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IV. “Alright dude.” Said towards the end of a conversation or phone call. An indicator of a positive conclusion to the encounter. Example:

Guy I: Alright dude, it’s been good catching up.

Guy II: Dude, for real. Always fun man.

Guy I: Let’s do it again.

Guy II: Cool man – I’d like that.

Guy I: Alright man. You be good.

Guy II: Dude, bro, it’s all good. Check you later.

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V. “Hey Dude, check this out.” A highly versatile phrase used to draw a friend’s attention to a matter of interest. Examples:

Guy I: Dude, check this s*** out. It’s a shuffleboard, man. Whaddya say?

Guy II: Duuuuude, shuffleboard…

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Guy I: Dude check this chick out right over there, behind the begonias. She’s just looked your way, like three times.

Guy II: Shut the f*** up man. She’s not looking at me. Get out of here, dude.

Guy III: Dude, she totally is. You should totally go over and say hi.

Guy II: Come in guys. Knock it off.

Guy I: Dude, she just did it again…

Note: We are happy to expand this piece based on reader feedback, so if you have come across a dude variant that you think merits inclusion on the list above, send it along with an example or two and we’ll see what we can do.

Works Cited/ Referenced

The Big Lebowski

Ween, “The Stallion Pt. 3"

Image Credit

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