"dude"

[csabugler]

I'm trying to research the correctness of the term "dude", but a couple searches didn't produce the results, just lots of posts where people used the word . Any suggestions?

[Hardtack Herring]

Re: "dude"

Dude......

Well dressed person from the east out west on a ranch.

[lukegilly13]

Re: "dude"

A quick search on yahoo returns the wikipedia definition:

Originally "dude" meant a city person in the country, with strong connotations of ignorance of rural ways. The word as used in contemporary culture, typically American, may have had its origins in the Irish [4], and indeed, dúd in modern Irish is a derogatory term for a foolish person [5].
The word "Dude" may be an abbreviated form of the word "Doodle," which, in the eighteenth century, meant a simpleton or a fool.
One example of this use is "Dude Ranches", ranches built in the western states of America for "Dudes", or city folk to experience "cowboy life". "Dude" was also used in the 1860s-1870s by cowboys to describe a newcomer to the West. Tombstone Sherriff John Slaughter was thought to be a "dude" when he first arrived in Tombstone.
Also, from the Compact Oxford Dictionary, it means a man or a dandy...probably derived from the German dialect Dude = fool.

[Dale Beasley]

Re: "dude"

I would think that "dude" out west would be called "vato".
I would think it would have an hispanic orgin...for example...if a Cuban or a Mexican baseball player while pitching a bad pitch.... hit an American player, You would yell "Dude?"

[Curt Schmidt]

Re: "dude"

Hallo!

Just another log on the fire:

The Dictionary of American Slang, 3rd Edition:

1. by 1883, A dapper man, esp. one who is ostentatiously dressed; dandy

2. by 1883, A guest at a Western or Western style ranch

3. by 1918, a man, or fellow

By the late 1960's, "dude" became a black term. However, that later changed.

Curt

[Hank Trent]

Re: "dude"

From a couple of early 20th century books on slang:

This one supplies a quote from 1883 calling it a "new coined word" and also has a telling quote from 1888 by Mrs. Custer, who wrote, "If the term 'dude' had been invented [in 1866] it would often have been applied to a Texan horseman," implying of course that it hadn't been invented then.

This one comments on the sudden appearance of "dude" in America and quotes one author as saying "though investigation was made within a few weeks of the recognition of the word, no one could say how it originated." Other speculations about the origin are on the following page, but even they conclude that the word itself is "less than twenty years old." Since this was published in 1902, that also places it with a sudden origin in the early 1880s.

Hank Trent
hanktrent@voyager.net

[Silas]

Re: "dude"

And here I thought Dude was California-speak. Pete, try googling the word through the search engine of google books. You never know what you'll find, dude.

[Longbranch 1]

Re: "dude"

Sirs, and Madames,

Like csabugler, I am having little luck referencing a descriptive.

" Guy "

Some reference to Guy Fawlkes , but no alliteration to common usage in the 1860's.
I often hear the word used , probably inadvertantly in the reenactment / living history community. Somehow, to my ear, it doesn't ring true.

Any help is greatly appreciated.

Regards,
Kevin Ellis,
26th NC

[Amtmann]

Re: "dude"

One of the most irritating things: having someone call me "dude".

[Curt Schmidt]

Re: "dude"

Hallo!

"Hey you guys!" -"Goonies"

The Dictionary of American Slang, 3rd Edition:

1. verb by 1869 to mock; ridicule

2. noun by 1876 a person of eiterh sex, esp a man, fellow

3. noun, by 1940's a woman's fiance, husband

4. noun by 1980 a thing refered to esp something one does not know the name of. = baby, gadget, sucker

formerly the name and reputation of Guy Fawkes, esp his ugly effigies burned in England on November 5 to commemorate the foiling of the Gunpowder Plot

Curt

[Longbranch 1]

Re: "dude"

Curt,

I appreciate your response. Particularly the " Goonies " quote.

A few years ago I was walking back from the sinks to formation and passed a company forming for roll call. Galvanized Yanks, portraying, I believe, an Alabama unit. Down in SC, no less.
And heard....
" Hey , you'se guys....Listen up! " From the 1rst Sgt.

Not sure if I am over that or not.

Regards,
Kevin Ellis,
26th NC

[csabugler]

Re: "dude"

Thanks for the responses. I had found most of the same stuff. 1880's are sorta common, but could not find it in use in the 1850-60's. I will determine from this that although possibly in use, it is not readily documented, and I will there for presume it incorrect.
I've heard it more than once at events, didn't want to challenge someone about it and end up eating crow

[yankeecav]

Re: "dude"

I guess I would be a little more forgiving for use of the word "dude" as long as it is NOT preceeded by "kowabunga"!

[D F Smith Historic]

Re: "dude"

Hi All,

Being a native Californian, and married to a 6th generation Californian (Family has been in CA since around 1845 in the same town).

I have noticed in general, through family history, that the term "Dude " was a derogetory term (Long before it became surfculture lingo) for someone who didn't know what they were about, or an easterner or traveler fresh off the boat or stage, similar to the terms "Greenhorn" "Fresh Fish" etc.

For this period the term seems to be more of just regional term in the mid 1860's before it became more popular and / or noted. Kind of like the term "You Bet" that came out of the gold filed in the 1850's, and spread east.

This information is from family history and papers and is not from a published source.

Slang terms are a hard thing to study, as they are frequently in use a few years before being recorded. Usually by then they have fallen out of favor for another term.

From a point of view looking West to East...

Don S

[Canebrake Rifle Guards]

Re: "dude"

I'm sure I've seen Civil War usage of "Dude."

Now I'll have to see if I can find the book so I can cite it.

Greg Starbuck