Hey Dude

Hey Dude is a casual, informal greeting or expression of camaraderie, primarily used in American English. It is similar in meaning to "Hey man," "Hello there," or simply "Hi." The phrase often conveys a sense of relaxed friendliness or familiarity. It can be used to address a male acquaintance or friend, and, though less common, sometimes a female. The appropriateness of using "Hey Dude" depends heavily on the social context and relationship between the speakers. It is generally considered too informal for professional or formal settings. The popularity of the phrase likely increased due to its association with California surfer culture and its use in popular media.