Mate is the term used in BrE to refer to a friend (in the AmE sense) but may also be a cordial way of referring to another person whom you may or may not know.14 Jan 2016
What is mate an example of?
The definition of a mate is a significant other or spouse, part of a matched pair or a friend or buddy. An example of a mate is a male duck who has formed a relationship with a female duck. An example of a mate is your husband or your wife. An example of a mate is one of a pair of socks.
What does mate mean in friendship?
Mate is slang for friend in some countries. That's not the only usage of the word mate. The English language definition is " fellow member or joint participant of a specified thing" eg tablesmates, life mates , lover , spouse ,significant other, husband , wife, helpmates, college mates etc.
Why are friends called mates?
“Mate” comes from a German word with the same spelling meaning “messmate”, and that comes from a proto-Germanic word *gamatjô, from *ga—“together”—and *matiz—food. It meant exactly what the combination suggests, someone you eat with. I.e. a friend or comrade.
Definition of mate (Entry 3 of 5) 1a(1) : associate, companion. (2) chiefly British : an assistant to a more skilled worker : helper. (3) chiefly British : friend, buddy —often used as a familiar form of address. b archaic : match, peer.
What does it mean to call someone a mate?
mate Add to list Share. Someone's mate is their spouse, partner, boyfriend, or girlfriend. Your grandmother's long-term sweetheart is her mate.
Is Mate English or American?
Mate is used in American (U.S. and Canadian) English, but it is not used as slang for friend. It is used for the original meaning of sexual union, as in “Swans mate for life.” Many Britishisms are creeping into American English recently, such as “as well”, often thrown into the mix when “also” is already there.28 Apr 2014
Why do British say mate?
This one is often heard as a quick follow-up to the word 'Cheers'. Mate is used as a term of endearment, but also frequently used to casually ingratiate oneself with a stranger or new acquaintance. When used to address somebody or get their attention, the word mate is usually reserved for men only.