Dude

Dude is my favorite mild expletive. It works so well in so many situations, and my favorite way to use it is by itself, as a freestanding response.

Dude.

Like when words fail me and the only appropriate response is "dude".

Like when it's beyond me, and really the best thing I can say is "dude".

I use it with my kids, especially with Cory.

I use it with my husband, and he totally gets it because he uses it too.

I start sentences with it, as a way of announcing that this sentence has me excited. "Dude, last night's Heroes was WICKED."

I use it with my nose wrinkled. Dude, get in the shower.

I guess it's one of the biggest lasting holdovers from a lifetime of having grown up in California. I don't have a Texas accent, although I've lived here over ten years. I'm comfortable around here. I'd almost from here now. But people clearly know that I'm not from here, either.

And I almost never use it as a name for anyone. Although sometimes with Cory.

It's a multi-purpose word, and I love it.

Dude.

-k