International Friendship Day is this Sunday and Kaplan is celebrating by looking at how people use different words when talking to friends. South American countries have celebrated International Friendship Day for many years but it has only recently become popular across the world. Winnie the Pooh has been named by the United Nations as the world’s Ambassador of Friendship. His famous friends include Piglet and Eeyore. Below are some common slang words for friend in some English-speaking countries:
Mate is often informally said in Britain, Australia and New Zealand when men talk about a friend of the same gender. Classmate describes a person who you study with at school. A flatmate or roommate is someone who you share accommodation with.
Chum is usually associated with old-fashioned English people. It was first used in the 19th century. A chummery was a building where unmarried British army officers lived. Chum is also food used to attract fish. Try not to get confused!
Buddy is typically used in America and Canada to refer to a friend. You might also hear the term “buddy up”. This is when two people are responsible for each other’s safety during an activity. More slang words for friend in the USA include bro, homeboy and dude.
Pal is commonly heard in Scotland. To pal about means to hang around with a friend and have fun. You might hear a girls talk about close female friends as their “gal pal”.
Mucker is sometimes said in some parts of Ireland. It comes from the Gaelic Irish word “mo chara”, which means “my friend”.
Have you ever heard any of these words before? How do you celebrate International Friendship Day? Do you use any special words when talking about your friends?