@mattblaze@federate.social @wendinoakland@beige.party In the deprived inner city environment where I grew up, we didn't have "dude" (except in ironic imitation of Americans!), but did have "bro", "mate", "pal", and such like. In person it's a sign you're regarded as a respected equal. But yeah, to strangers online it's often over-familiar and so, as you say, reeks of condescension.