- An informal term for a friend or acquaintance.
- Also commonly used as a general term of address, often towards men, including strangers, in a friendly or neutral way.
Explanation
Origin
- Derived from Old English 'gemaca', meaning companion or associate.
- Its usage as a familiar term of address solidified in British English and became extremely common in Australia and New Zealand.
- Reflects cultures where overt displays of camaraderie and egalitarianism are valued.
Synonyms & Related Expressions
Alternatives
Slang/Informal:
- Pal (UK/US/Can)
- Buddy (US/Can)
- Dude (esp. US)
- Bro / Bruh (esp. US/NZ/Online)
- Cuz / Cuzzie (esp. NZ/Urban)
- Homie / Homey / Homeslice (Urban/AAVE influence)
- Guv / Guv'nor (UK)
- Son (UK/Aus, often older man to younger man/boy)
- Chief (US/UK informal address, sometimes mocking)
- Sport (Often older person to younger, can be condescending)
Milder/Standard:
- Sir / Madam (Formal)
- Friend (Less common as direct address)
- [No term of address]
Situational Appropriateness
- Informal.
- Extremely common in Australia, New Zealand, and the UK in casual settings.
- Acceptable to use with strangers in informal contexts (e.g., pubs, shops) but depends heavily on tone.
- Avoid in formal business or official settings.
- Can sound condescending if used by someone in a position of power towards a subordinate, depending on relationship and tone.
Misunderstanding Warnings
- Tone is crucial. The same word can be friendly, neutral, or aggressive.
- North Americans might find its frequent use (especially towards strangers) unusual.
Examples
- How's it going, mate?
- Cheers, mate, appreciate it.
- (To a stranger blocking the way) Excuse me, mate.
- Don't worry about it, mate.
Dialogue
Customer: Can I get a flat white, please?
Barista: Sure thing, mate. Coming right up.
Customer: Cheers, mate.
Social Media Examples
- Post: Shout out to my mates who helped me move house today! Legends. #Friends #Thanks
- Comment: Good point, mate. Never thought of it that way.
Response Patterns
- Often simply acknowledged by continuing the conversation.
- Sometimes reciprocated in the response: No worries, mate. / Yeah, good thanks, mate.
- A simple nod or Yeah?.
Common Follow-up Questions/Actions
- The use of mate itself doesn't usually require a specific follow-up; the conversation just proceeds naturally.
- If used aggressively (Oi, mate!), the follow-up is likely a confrontation or question about the problem.
Conversation Starter
- No.
- Usually used *within* an interaction, not to initiate contact unless combined with Excuse me or similar.
Intonation
- Usually friendly and casual with a falling tone.
- Can be stressed for extra warmth or emphasis: Thanks, MAAATE!
- A sharp, stressed tone can make it sound aggressive or confrontational: Oi, MATE!
Generation Differences
- Very common across most age groups.
- Some younger teens might favour bro or dude (depending on region/influence), but mate remains ubiquitous.
Regional Variations
- Core vocabulary in Australian, New Zealand, and British English.
- Used much less frequently and can sound unnatural or affected in North American English, where buddy, pal, man, or dude are more common informal addresses.