Dude

Pronunciation

• US enPR: doÍžod, IPA: /duːd/
• UK IPA: /djuːd/, /dÊ’uːd/
• Rhymes: -uːd

Alternative forms

• dood

Origin

Of unknown origin. First attested in 1883

Dictionary.com

Merriam Webster Online

as a New York City slang term of contempt for a "fastidious man, fop".

Online Etymology Dictionary

Possibly related to dawdle, to German Low German Dudeldop, Dudendop ("fool, dunce"), from Middle Low German dudendop ("cuckold”, “simpleton"), or to Saterland Frisian Duddigegen ("idiot").

Full definition of dude

Noun

1. (slang) A man.
2. (slang, used in the vocative) A term of address for a man.Relax, dude.
3. (originally) An inexperienced cowboy.
4. (slang) A tourist.
5. (archaic) A dandy, a man who is very concerned about his dress and appearance.

Synonyms

• man bloke British, Australia, New Zealand slang (mainly in w, Southland, Southland), chap dated British, cove dated British, guy
• term of address for a man mate British, Australia
• dandy dandy, fop, masher

Derived terms

• dude-bro
• dude ranch
• dudine obsolete

Verb

1. to address someone with the term of address dude