Would Someone Tell Me What "mate" Means

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deleted1334580

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I am especially staring at Aussies and Brits on this -- In us and I assume Canada too this is a verb referring to animals er.... procreating. Or even describing one other human you are partnered/bonded with and possibly have sexual relations.

I do understand the 'mateship' equalization culture in Australia. Used to say we are equals and on normally friendly terms. Not 100% sure what it means in UK (England particularly).

I don't mean to sound unfriendly but this term of (endearment?) is lost on me as an American. Please enlighten me.
 

DiamondJoe

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As far as I now Mate is like 'Merica's "dude"

My friend, my pal, my buddy.. Affectionate and friendly.

Much like Burgerland's dude, mate can be used for crossed tones. Like, definitely has a "fuck you" purpose.
^ Exactly so.

The intended meaning depends on the initiation of the user's voice.
 
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deleted1334580

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As interactions with Australians go I have seen this vary from best buds to arch-enemy depending on tone and usage. Maybe that's like sometimes you see "pal" used in a negative context in American movies and otherwise maybe.
 
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deleted1334580

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Buddy is a different story completely at least here -- but maybe not -- I have seen that used in both friendly and condescending tones. In fact it might not be so different after all from "mate"
 

DiamondJoe

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Buddy is a different story completely at least here -- but maybe not -- I have seen that used in both friendly and condescending tones. In fact it might not be so different after all from "mate"
I remember my first time in NYC, coming out of a subway late at night, and some stranger started at me, "HEY YOU. YEAH YOU, BUDDY..."

...and my immediate thought was he was gonna start something but it turned out that, in his own inimitable way, he was only offering assistance as I looked a little lost.

All in the intonation.

:)
 
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