A Dude

The word “dude” originated in the late 19th century in the United States. It was initially used as a term to describe a man who was overly concerned with fashion and appearance, often considered a “dandy” or someone who was excessively fussy about his clothing. The term gained popularity in New York City in the 1880s and was often used in a somewhat mocking or derisive manner to refer to men who were seen as trying too hard to be stylish or sophisticated. By the early 20th century, the meaning of “dude” began to evolve. In the Western United States, the term was used to refer to city dwellers who were visiting the countryside or ranches and were unfamiliar with rural life, often called “dude ranches.” In modern times, “dude” has shed much of its original connotations and is now used more broadly as a casual term for a man, often in a friendly or neutral context.