From Dude to Dude

 The history of the word "dude" isn't a recent as one might think. The term originated in the late 19th century in New York City to refer to young effeminate men who liked dress fancy. They eventually became known as "dudes" which is likely a reference to Yankee Doodle with their clothing making them dandy. Also in the late 19th century men from the East were buying special outfits to travel to the west and play cowboy at what became known as dude ranches. Finally in the 1980s-90s the word meant a laid back California surfer/skater type and was also used as a greeting, an agreement, a commiseration, or an exclamation. There you have it, dude!