So I got to thinking about this the other day. I took a trip to the US a while ago, stayed for quite some time. Hung out with american friends of both genders. Everybody seemed to use the word "dude" freely to friends no matter the gender. The other day I was talking to people in vent, a girl said something and I responded with "totally, dude" in my wannabe american way. She said "I'm not a dude, dude!" and we got into a discussion on this topic, I said I got the impression that "dude" can be used regardless of genders, and she said that she's never been referred to as a "dude". Now, she's from England so that might differ. What's your view on the matter? I see "dude" more like an extension like "sure, friend" than referring to the fact the person you're talking to is a man.