Difference between Buddy and Dude

Key Difference: Buddy is an informal way to refer to a male friend. Dude is a slang term in American English for an individual.

Buddy Many would have heard or used the words, buddy and dude, when sitting or chit-chatting with friends, or when a guy is asking for something to an unknown person. However, what do these words mean? Are they applicable for everyone?

According to Dictionary.com, ‘Buddy’ is:

To be a companion; be friendly or on intimate terms.
Buddy up,
To become friendly; be on friendly or intimate terms.
To work closely together: to buddy up with a student from another high school.
Buddy up to, to become friendly with or curry the favor of.

Buddy is an informal way to refer to a male friend. It might refer to a best friend or in the American English, it is also applicable for mate. Buddy is sometimes used as a synonym for friend. It is also specifically denoted to a friend whom with one engages in a particular activity, such as study buddy, etc. It is an informal word, but not slang.

According to Dictionary.com, ‘Dude’ is:

A man excessively concerned with his clothes, grooming, and manners.
Slang.
A fellow; chap.
(A general term of address used to a man, woman, or group).
A person reared in a large city.

Dude is a slang term in American English for an individual. The word is applicable for everyone, but it is typically used for males. The term was derived from the Scottish term for clothes, duddies. It is an old phrase, which was typically used in the 70s and 80s to mention the person who is dressed in a very fashionable manner. In those years, dude was also meant to a person whose physical appearance, refined language and leisurely pursued places an important role. Dude does not necessarily has to be a friend of the other. It simply means, a male, man or boy. One refers to the other person as a dude, without even knowing them. Dude also refers to an aggressive tone. For example: ‘Dude, better mind your own business!’

Comparison between Buddy and Dude:

	Buddy	Dude
Description	Buddy is an informal way to particularly refer to a male friend or it can be anyone.	Dude is a slang term in American English for an individual who is worried about his clothes and appearance.
Term	It is not a slang term.	It is a slang term.
Usage	Informal	Usually informal, but can also be used for unknowing person.
Means	Buddy means a friend.	Dude does not mean that he will be a friend.