DCHP-3

dude

[origin unknown]
DCHP-1 (pre-1967)
This word has had many subtle meanings, almost all of them derogatory and often connoting distrust on the part of the user.

Entry from the DCHP-1 (pre-1967)

This entry may contain outdated or offensive information, terms, and examples.

1n. Esp. West

a non-westerner or a newly-arrived settler who affects stylish eastern clothes.

Quotations

1883
The dude is one of those creatures which are perfectly harmless, and are a necessary evil to civilization.
1962
Well, chances are Mr. Dude, you've been getting a silent horse laugh yourself from your trusty cayuse.
2n.

a dandy; an elegant person, or one who affects elegance; snob.

Quotations

1900
Is not the West a free country, and must not a man shun the soap-dish and hair-brush, except on festal occasions, if he wants to be known as a worker and not a "dude"?
1910
Camilla . . . took them for Mrs. Francis to see, and also for the boys to see themselves in the long mirror. . . . Danny sidled up to Mrs. Francis and said in a confidential whisper: "Ain't I the biggest dood in the bunch?"
1918

You have often sold a daughter
To some dude across the water,
While the title high which bought her
You so seemingly ignore;
Why not send us a cotillion
Of those girls who own a million
For our hardy northern gillian
On the old Canadian shore?
3n.

an inexperienced person; greenhorn.

Quotations

1912
He's going down to Dawson with a couple of dudes and another gentleman's man--camp-cook, boatman, and general all-round hustler.
1951
I don't like to see these dudes or smart Indians taking these three hundred yard shots, unless there's no other way.
1958
The election was held following the return of some 60 dude and veteran members from their six-day camp. . . .