Definition: Explaining What You Mean

Comprehension Quiz for “Dude, Do You Know What You Just Said?”

Read “Dude, Do You Know What You Just Said?” and check your comprehension by answering the following questions. Then “submit” your work.

1. Which of these were meanings of the word dude?

a meticulously dressed man, a dandy

old rags

a male horse

A and B are both former meanings of the word dude.

Correct

Incorrect

2. According to the University of Pittsburgh linguist Scott Kiesling, how is the word dude used?

to disarm confrontation

to “one-up” someone

as an exclamation

All of the above are correct.

Correct

Incorrect

3. According to Scott Kiesling, the word dude derives its power from

icy distance among rivals

emotional passion

cool solidarity or lazy kinship

close kinship as among parents and children

Correct

Incorrect

4. The word dude is used by men to

suggest friendship “but not much more” than friendship.

to make parents and grandparents feel comfortable.

to make their girlfriends feel loved.

to encourage a friendly attitude in the police and officers of the court.

Correct

Incorrect

5. According to the article, why is the word dude not losing its appeal?

because advertisers have embraced the term

because it’s easy to say

because easterners all want to emulate the laid-back surf culture of southern California

because older people are adopting the habits and customs of the young

Correct

Incorrect