Once upon a time any friend was just "mate". Now we have buddy, bro and dude.....
All sorts of nice things to call your mates...if you get my drift
Paul McCartney's dad used to complain to him and John Lennon about their use of Americanisms as they were first writing music. He thought there were too many Americanisms entering British usage. Paul had to explain to him how the song just wouldn't have the same effect if they sang, "She loves you, Yes, Yes, Yes."
