[Elamur Dictionary](https://md.dictionary.elamur.ai/free/en/) · [this page in HTML](https://dictionary.elamur.ai/free/en/english/dude/)

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# dude

noun (a dude, dudes) (informal, slang, mainly US; also Canada, Australia, NZ); interjection (dude!)

«dude» in the English dictionary: everyday — its meanings, how the lessons use it, and examples, each with its tree on Mova.

## Everyday

1. (slang) A man or boy; a guy: «He's a cool dude.» [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/D/dude/#m1)
2. (slang) A friendly way to speak to someone, especially a friend: «Hey, dude!» [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/D/dude/#m2)
3. (slang, interjection) Used to show surprise, excitement, or annoyance: «Dude! That was amazing!» [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/D/dude/#m3)
4. (old, US) A city person who goes on holiday to a ranch: «dude ranch»; or a man who cares a lot about fancy clothes. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/D/dude/#m4)

### In the lessons

In everyday American and Canadian talk «dude» is very common between friends; now used for any gender by some people. In stories it shows a relaxed, casual character. Phrases: «hey dude», «cool dude», «dude ranch», «Dude!», «sweet, dude».

### Examples

- (slang) Hey dude, want to play footy? [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/D/dude/#x1)
- That skateboarder is a cool dude. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/D/dude/#x2)
- Dude! You scored from halfway! [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/D/dude/#x3)
- (slang) Dude, that's my seat. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/D/dude/#x4)
- Some dude at the shop gave me the wrong change. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/D/dude/#x5)
- (old US) They spent a week at a dude ranch in Montana. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/D/dude/#x6)

### Note

Slang; fine with friends but not in formal writing or to teachers — use «man», «person» or the name. Plural «dudes». Tone matters: «Dude!» can sound happy or cross.

## On Mova

- [Trees and pragmatics of «dude» in the school dictionary](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/D/dude/): every meaning and example parsed by Mova, with its dependency tree and frames.
- [«dude» in the school dictionary](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/dictionaries/school/w/dude.html) on Mova free.