I'm a little uncertain about how "mate" is being used.

It seems to be used in a rather casual manner and more inbetween people who know each other, especially guys.
That is how it looks to me mind you but is that so in reality?

I'm also wondering whether this "mate" thing is also used by females for their male friends and vice versa.

Thank you!

I actually haven't heard any of my chick friends use mate much. But, times are changing, these days they probably do...It's like mec. Girls say mec to eachother, and other, way weirder things.

I use it on here when I delete things sometimes - I often don't know whether it is a guy or a gal so, 'sorry mate' it is.

'Sorry sir', to a lady or, 'sorry madam' to a gentlemen might irritate the poster even further.

I once had an irritating neighbour who called everyone mate male or female and I really don't like it.

My very best friend (we're both female) always used "mate" as a term of endearment - towards me and towards her male children. It has always grated on me as it doesn't seem very - oh I don't know - ladylike (for want of a better word!!!) and certainly not a term I would use. She then had a baby girl and I distinctly noticed that "mate" is not one of the terms of endearment she uses for Gemma. Funny.

Perhaps it also helps to state what our backgrounds are as it could be used differently in different English speaking countries? We are British.

"Ouaaiis mec, viens ici mec, écoute mec, cool me ...!" I think that's more like "listen bugger ... !"
Whereas "mate" seems to be more gentle and kind, non offensive.

Funny, I thought this was something very obvious. Apparently it isn't, even amongst the English folks.

A male collegue says it to me

I use it sometimes in writing. I dont use it while talking. But considering that i started using some special english words, then its just a matter of time

Mate is an informal term and usually only used between close friends. Some people use them more commonly, even to stangers.

Terms of endearment can be irritating to some when used to strangers or in more formal situations. Some employers frown on their employees using such terms.

In the UK there tend to be regional variations: 'Mate' tends to be more common in Southern England, particularly London area.

Other terms may include 'Luv' 'Darling' 'Dear' 'Hen' 'Duckie' 'Ducks'

As far as I'm concerned it's fairly common in English.

"Mate" is used in a few different ways (other than breeding partner), colloquially:

- informal greeting for good friend: ".... all right mate, how's it going?"
- third party reference, also for good friend: ".... my/his mate is driving us, tonight".
- general helper to professional tradesman: i.e. builders' mate, plumbers' mate, etc.

Similar terms to mate in familiar, colloquial usage are: pal, buddy, fellah, guy, mucker, geezer - and probably others.

Many of these terms I believe stem from mid-20th century, when everyone seemed to have nicknames and non-specific terms of address.

Mate is fine - I quite like it and use it myself with people I am chummy. My bugbear is when someone addresses a group with "Hi guys" regardless of whether there are girlies within the group.

Yesterday I heard a dad calling his kids over, of which there were three girls and one boy, with a cheery "C'mon guys!"

Alright, me old cocker.

I lived in 'eyup me duckie' land and when i hear young people say eyup me duck it just sounds strange as for me it's what the older generation say

That's part of why I got hooked on (like, really really hooked, it has stuck quite tenaciously) "ya'll"... which really should be y'all (you all).


I've rarely been called "mate" if the other person knows I'm female, some of my gamer-friends who hail from Oz call me "Luv" which makes me feel all bubbly and giddy inside.

English, especially for example, Londoners, or Australians may use it but not all native English speakers use it apart from for limited and specific uses like "ship's mate", "builder's mate" etc.
Neither for girls nor lads.
People might just think you are doing a screen test for Eastenders or Home and Away...

It's pretty much the same these days. Or, my 15-18yr olds use it that way. As you can see bellow...

Words don't exist independently of their users. Mate is British. I would only use mate as biology term, ie to mate, or his mate (he breeds with ). Or, inmate, roommate.

That's yank. Guys, to everyone..doesn't sound abnormal to me at all. My students are guys, if they are nice, that is. Same with folks you don't use anymore explicitly for addressing, or talking about your parents, or folk, as villagers, or sumfin. Folks is people, these days. At least in my circles.

__________________
"L'homme ne peut pas remplacer son coeur avec sa tete, ni sa tete avec ses mains." J.H. Pestalozzi

“The only difference between a rut and a grave is a matter of depth.” S.P. Cadman

"Imagination is more important than knowledge." A. Einstein

I think "mate" is more "official" in Australia. They have the "mateship" thing going on there.

I like the first line on the Wiki page - "Not to be confused with mating."

I'd rather say:
- dude -->mec
- mate --> pote
- friend --> copain, ami.

Top post Sandgrounder !!!!


MATE Vs MATING
Basically provided you refrain from using the 'Mate' expression when meeting a female for the first few times you should be pretty right.

Should you eventually hook up with the said female, you should refrain from using the expression with her for the term of your natural life.

Should you not hook up with the female, and her social status is demoted to "just some chick" amongst your mates, then 'Mate' is OK to use again.

Never use 'mate' when addressing a woman older than you.... ever.


ALL OTHER USES OF "MATE"
Never use Mate in a formal situation, unless addressed by your superior as 'Mate', then you should return the gesture.
The exception to the rule is 'Thanking' (see below), but is not expected.

'Mate' can be used at all times amongst Men.

Try not to use "Mate" when picking a fight:
"Look mate, I told yo....."
"....Mate, Don't you call me Mate"
"That's it mate, I've had it"
(commence the Biff )


Fact: You can refer to your dog as mate.



"Thanks mate" when acknowledging appreciation is acceptable in all situations.
eg. When recieving goods or Beer , or generally paying for something, a simple "Thanks mate" is usually well received.

Very 'aussie' term although common in UK as well (well it originated there).