Dude A masher. One who renders himself conspicuous by affectation of dress, manners, and speech.
The word was first familiarised in London in 1881, and is a revival of the old word dudes (clothes). We
have several derivations, as dudder, one who sells dress-pieces; duddery, a rag-shop; duddle, to wrap up
warmly (Halliwell), etc. It is not of American origin.