I’d say it’s a expression that does have gender associations, but it’s not offensive or anything to call a woman dude in the right context. If anything it is usually used as a gesture of camaraderie, in this case because a woman has suffered in a way that men can understand.
I get what you’re saying. But what you’re saying could also be interpreted as “you’ve suffered in a way we understand, so you’re not a woman anymore, you’re better, you’re one of the men.”
It’s also like a guy being called “one of the gals” by the gals. That’s not welcomed by most men, even if it’s well meant. I don’t want to be one of the gals. I want to be a guy and accepted.
So I just don’t use “dudes”. I use folks. Same concept, infinitely less ambiguity. Words are great like that. You always have options.
dudette, I think
Is dude not back to being gender neutral again? What are we going with?
now that you say, I’m not sure anymore
I think it might be dependent on context, unfortunately/confusingly.
Would you have sex with a dude? If yes then it’s fine
That’s one hell of a standard
Why? If dude is gender neutral, then you should be comfortable using the phrase “I’d have sex with that dude”.
I’d say it’s a expression that does have gender associations, but it’s not offensive or anything to call a woman dude in the right context. If anything it is usually used as a gesture of camaraderie, in this case because a woman has suffered in a way that men can understand.
I get what you’re saying. But what you’re saying could also be interpreted as “you’ve suffered in a way we understand, so you’re not a woman anymore, you’re better, you’re one of the men.”
It’s also like a guy being called “one of the gals” by the gals. That’s not welcomed by most men, even if it’s well meant. I don’t want to be one of the gals. I want to be a guy and accepted.
So I just don’t use “dudes”. I use folks. Same concept, infinitely less ambiguity. Words are great like that. You always have options.
It’s not really the same. I actually wouldn’t mind being called one of the gals.