It's very hard to explain to younger people that to GenX "dude" as an interjection is not gendered. Nor always human.
My kid gets it.
We will dude a pair of shoelaces that snaps.
The TV when it suddenly- pixels.
The power goes out? Dude.
Dude is a one syllable shorthand for proclaiming WTF. In humor; in offense.
It's a glorious word.
@Shelter I've had this same conversation with so many folx of different generations! Your explanation/definition is the best I've ever seen! How you don't mind if I use it in future.
@Shelter *hope
Also I'm a Boomer 😉
@Shelter especially with extra Us
@Shelter I have found that we Gen Xers need to be VERY careful about our use of the term “hook-up”.
@Shelter my neighbor adopted a dog and named it Dude for this very reason… also because the way in which the word is spoken … the possibilities are endless.
@NoMansWoman @Shelter I’ve heard it as a two syllable or rather, elongated single syllable word. Depending on circumstances
@Shelter perfect 👍