The best known of this type is probably Evander Berry Wall, who was dubbed "King of the Dudes" in 1880s New York and maintained a reputation for sartorial splendor all his life. Hon is commonly used by females, and dude by males. This use is reflected in the dude ranch, a guest ranch catering to urbanites seeking more rural experiences. According to a 1901 article quoted in this answer to the question, Etymology of “dude” and progression in language, the original feminine version of dude was dud. IME, it's more used in phrasing like "Dudes and dudettes, listen up!". The first time I was addressed as dude, I was an adult, and this was about fifteen years ago. You'll get the worst look for trying to be a surfer poser. (nobody (under 40) uses 'gal'). My friends know me well enough to know I like speaking like a 1930s gangster at times, and find it cute. How to evenly distribute same size holes across a stretched surface. . true : false; $(this).attr('aria-expanded', state); panel.attr('aria-hidden', !state); });});document.getElementById("m").value=""; n. (colloquial) A man, generally a younger man. n. A friendly term of address usually reserved for other adult males. The usage of the word to mean a "cool person" was further popularized in American films of the 1980s and 1990s such as Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Fast Times at Ridgemont High, Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure, Wayne's World, and Clerks. Oh and never ever say dudette. Can a barbarian maintain rage by attacking a creature that is not present? 'false':'true') + '">'); var panel = $this.next(); $this.wrapInner('