Dave's ESL Cafe's Student Discussion Forums

Karolina · Joined: 02 Aug 2004 Posts: 2 Location: Poland - Pila

Hello! My name is Caroline. I'm from Poland and I'm 23.
I've just graduated from a college, where I studied the English language. I'm going to continue my studies and gain the Master's Degree. Besides, I've been teaching English for some time - both children and adults.
I think that my knowlege of English is quite good, especially when it comes to grammar, so if you have any problems, just write to me and I'll try to help you as I can! Razz

I'm waiting for your messages...
Caroline:)

fathak · Joined: 21 Jul 2004 Posts: 13

Hi Caroline!!
Hope you are doing great.. I'm from India and 24 years old. I could be grateful to you if you could help me with this doubt.

Can I use the word "Dude" for girls? If not, How come it's OK to use "guys" for both guys and girls?

Thanks in anticipation,
Regards,
Fathak
_________________
Thanks and Regards,
M.N.Fathak Ahamed

cgage · Joined: 19 Jun 2004 Posts: 66 Location: USA

This is American hip talk. As an American I can answer your question easily. Dude would never be used to address a girl. However, its such a loose term that you could use it like that but nobody does.
The word "dude" originally was used to mean a young, inexperienced cowboy. We used to have dude ranches where young people could ride horses for fun.
In the 1980's it became a popular street expression . Pee Wee Herman (comedian) used to use this word a lot on his TV shows.
A popular expression is "Radical, dude!"
Radical means cool, far out, different. It has positive connotations.
Thanks for posting, dude!

cgage · Joined: 19 Jun 2004 Posts: 66 Location: USA

Actually, "guys" for both sexes wasn't universally popular in America. Like many modern terms, this probably originated in California where many expressions begin. It is a term used like this primarily among young people who like to say unusual things.
If you hear an adult say this, it is probably someome that started using it when they were young and its just grown into the language.
In certain usages, it is possible that there are sexual equality connotations, however this would probably be subliminal to a certain extent.
The only reason that I can think of why guys is for both sexes and dude isn't, is that "guy" is more generic and common. "Dude" seems to have more male associations.
Are you hip to what I'm saying, dude?

Carolo · Joined: 06 Aug 2004 Posts: 1 Location: Qu�bec (Canada)

Hi Caro. I'd love it if you, or anybody, could correct my english. I'm sure that there's lots of faults when I write or talk but, as people seem to understand what I say they don't bother to correct it to make it "correct". Rolling Eyes

I know there won't be much to do for you in these few words but I hope that you'll open me your "door" so I could "practice" with you in future.

Thanks for your help
take care Caroline Laughing

Caroline Tremblay, Qu�bec [/b]
_________________
Respecter l'autre � tout point de vue est aussi important pour vivre en soci�t� que de manger pour vivre.

LucentShade · Joined: 30 Dec 2003 Posts: 542 Location: Nebraska, USA

Caroline: *...that you'll open your door to me so I can practice with you in the future.*