It's not like either word is new but I feel like "bro" and variations like bruh or brah have become way more commonly used in the last decade among younger people as a term of address in contexts where I would have just said dude

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[–] Barabas@hexbear.net 18 points 2 months ago (1 children)

Yeah, since it is being used in a different way now. Bro used to be almost entirely aimed at the person you were talking to whereas dude was more general. Bro as an exclamation of disbelief/disappointment has also taken over from dude.

[–] Le_Wokisme@hexbear.net 16 points 2 months ago (1 children)

you can have a "certified bruh moment" with zero men involved.

[–] Barabas@hexbear.net 18 points 2 months ago (1 children)

Plenty of women have been called "dude" and called each other "dude" back in the day too.

[–] Infamousblt@hexbear.net 10 points 2 months ago* (last edited 2 months ago)

This has always been one of the funniest things in my queer trans spaces. Some fem or enby folks absolutely do not want to be dude and some are insulted that you won't dude them. It just depends on the person.

As it is with most things, try to tread lightly until you get a feel for the person and can ask them directly or hear directly how they're okay being referred to. I try not to dude people unless I'm sure they're okay with or want to be dude-ed