Slang – Mate.

Meaning – Friend. This is an informal expression used to refer to a close friend or companion.

This slang is extremely common British and Australian slang.

This expression can be used in negative way – to signify that a person has upset you or made you angry.

  • “Mate, that’s my girlfriend. Leave her alone.”

Mate can also be used as a friendly address to a stranger.

  • “Excuse me mate, can you tell me where the bank is?”

Slang expressions for friends:

Friends are an important part of life. Here are a selection of other expressions we can use to refer to our friends.

  • BFF – Best Friend Forever.
  • Buddy
  • Fam (Group of friends)
  • Chum
  • Pal
More uses of mate:
  • Cellmate – Someone you share a prison cell with.
  • Classmate – A person in the same class as you.
  • Flatmate – Someone you share a flat (US – apartment) with.
  • Roommate – Someone you share a room with.
  • Running mate – Someone running for office (in US government) on the same ticket as you.
  • Schoolmate – A person at the same school as you.
  • Teammate – Someone in the same team as you.

Example:

  • “My mates are coming over later to watch the footy.“

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