I was watching the wild card playoff games in the NFL over the weekend. The clear winner? Not the Chargers, Jaguars, Giants or Seahawks. For me, the clear winner is Bud Light and their series of "Dude" commercials, which show a specific person using "Dude" in at least ten different contexts in his life.
That got me thinking - how many different ways do HR Managers, Directors and VPs use the word "dude" in
their day-to-day professional lives? The number has to range in the hundreds, but here's my top 5 after doing a little brainstorming:
-After hearing of an event sure to result in a termination ("Dude" with a sense of disdain, slow head nod in the "no" motion)...
-In an effort to correct someone on the fly who is making a career limiting decision/statement ("Dude" with a sense of urgency and alarm, eyes wide open)...
-In a moment of weakness after seeing a large, self-insured medical invoice for your company ("Dude" with a sense of despair and an external locus of control, falling back in your chair from the upright position)...
-In an effort to get a little privacy when you are holding a private meeting with an employee and someone does a quick knock and walks in ("Dude" with a sense of disbelief, hand out with palm pointing upwards to show the fact you need a little privacy)...
-To confirm with hiring manager that you have found the perfect candidate for the open spot on their team (Walking into their office after both of you have interviewed the candidate and you're stopping by to compare notes. "Dude" with both hands open as you walk in like you expect to hug it out)...
I'm sure you can think of others that rule your workday. Hit me in the comments with your freshest example and enjoy the many meanings of "Dude" below...
Dude, that's brilliant...and funny.
Posted by: Frank Roche | January 10, 2008 at 08:37 AM
Dude,
Great blog and you're right on! A further question to ask is whether the term "Dude" was one born out of the Baby Boomer generation or whether it is representative across all generations.
It seems as though the term "Dude" replaced the term "Whoa Man" from previous generational use (please correct me if I'm wrong). The great thing about the term "Dude" (as we can all see from the commercial) is that it has many uses and derivatives, depending upon the situation. The one I like the most is the context of one guy giving the thumbs up to another when he has achieved greatness. In this situation, he says "Duuuuuuuuude" with a upward and downword nod of the head and a elongated rythym (sort of like ____--------_____).
Posted by: Alan | January 10, 2008 at 11:41 AM
Remember the "Dude" routine by the South Park guys in the movie BASEKETBALL? They had an entire conversation consisting of the word "dude" emphasized differently.
Posted by: Jen | January 22, 2008 at 01:29 PM
Religious PC-ness expressing exasperated disbelief or urgent concern:
"Oh my Dude!" or "Dude in Heaven."
Posted by: Mr.Richard | January 22, 2008 at 05:58 PM
It's so nice to have you do all of the research for us. It makes our decision making so much easier!! Thanks.
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