I’m sorry if you’ve ever been called dude when you didn’t want to be From a language perspective; if words can change meaning based on context, why can’t this principle extend to the gendered nature of words? I intend to ask this in good faith, so I apologise if it hasn’t come off that way

Is there a way to explain without mansplaining? Not trying to get blocked but I think I can make it make sense.

I've always understood "dude" roughly to be synonym for "bro" - definitely gendered, plus other connotations.

I’ve absolutely seen it used in both a gendered and non-gendered way. It can be either, depending on how you use it. People with Californian dialects especially tend to use it more frequently in contexts that give it a more gender neutral connotation.

Lmao

Dude CAN be a gender neutral term, but it also often is not. People are definitely justified to be offended by it depending on the context.

Awww shit! That’s a good one.

It’s interesting how societal norms shape language and perceptions—what’s considered "normal" or "appropriate" can vary so much. It’s good to question and challenge these labels!

Literally, thanks for saying this. I get a MAJORRR ICK when guys interested in me call me "dude/bro". Like wtf ewwwww

Works with "guys" too