Dude is a unisex term

It never ceases to amaze me how the word "dude" can offend certain individuals. I understand there is a laid-back, lazy connotation popularly associated with the word, but the word really is a unisex term that is globally applicable. Men are dudes. Women are dudes.

I find a lot of women will tolerate being called "man" far more readily than being called "dude". This makes no sense to me. "Man" is a much more aggressive and... well ... male word. "Dude" is a generic. It's just a smooth, easy-going way to say something.

The word "dude" also has a countless number of uses and definitions. Simply changing the inflection on that one single syllable word can completely change the entire meaning of a sentence. In fact, in some cases the word can be an entire sentence completely in and of itself. The unfortunate thing is that this is a non-verbal modus of communication so it is extremely difficult task to put forth these inflections here.

The core of the whole "dude" argument is the idea that some select individuals begin expecting others to change the method of speech they use simply because they find it offensive or disrespectful. I think it is exactly the other way around. I think the usage of the word indicates a level of respectful, friendly familiarity that one should consider flattering. There are, of course, certain situations where the word "dude" simply has no place. Professional settings are the primary venue in which the word carries no real weight or power, and it is understandable that usage of "dude" could present an uncaring or absent-minded appearance.

I don't think it should define how an individual is perceived on a normal level though. I think usage of the word "dude" should not indicate a level of relaxed state or goofy nature because I know a great many people who use the word and do not fit this description. I think before we allow a single word to color our perceptions of the people around us, we should learn who these people around us are.

Don't judge me because I say "dude". Don't dismiss me because you think I'm lazy or stupid based on this one single communication device. Determine that by watching me sleep in until 11:00am or letting the dishes pile up. And in summary I say...

Dude.