It’s Kinda Involved: Centuries-Old Roots of Ye ‘Dude’ Term

For unknown reasons, I began researching the roots of the well-worn word dude. What a long, strange trip it became.

BIG RELEASE: Gordon Kirk goes big, besting this 47.5-inch cow. He leads the LBI Surf Classic’s ‘Surf Master Award’ (catch/release). (Supplied Photo)

I dove in by figuring the term was simply a form of West Coast-born surfer speak. Hardly. Its origins stem from both royally ostentatious clothing and the kick-ass nature of the American colonists.