posted
I have a question for the Brits and Aussies here. I see characters on TV and in movies using the word "mate" to mean "friend". But sometimes I hear them using the word friend as well. So I was wondering, is there a difference between the two terms? Like a nuance that would make one or the other more or less appropriate in any given situation?
Posts: 12266 | Registered: Jul 2005
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posted
'Mate' is used as a friendly informal greeting or as a description of very close friends. In a more formal situation the word 'friend' is used to describe those same people. :)It's also used if you don't know, or can't remember, the name of the person you are addressing. I guess it's all in the tone. I never have trouble distinguishing between the different usages.
It used to be more commonly used amongst men but that is no longer the case.
Posts: 26 | Registered: Feb 2009
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posted
In Britain it's often used as part of the informal greeting 'Hallo mate'/'Alright mate?'. A lot of men frequently forget whether they're talking to men or women and just call everyone 'mate' all the time, which can be quite amusing. Women don't tend to use it much. It's a bloke thing.
In Australia and NZ, I have also heard 'mateship' used as well as 'friendship'.
posted
Pirates have lots of Mates, but very few friends.
On the other hand, in Czechoslovakia, you can have a lot of friends, but a true Czech Mate is rare. Maybe once a game.
Posts: 1941 | Registered: Feb 2003
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