What is a Mate? Understanding the Australian and New Zealand Term for a Close Friend

Mate is a term used in Australia, New Zealand, and some other parts of the English-speaking world to refer to a close friend or someone you spend a lot of time with. It's similar to the word "buddy" or "pal," but it's often used more casually and informally.

For example, you might say "Hey mate, what's up?" to greet a friend, or "I'm going to catch up with my mates at the pub tonight" to invite some friends out for a drink. The word "mate" is also sometimes used as a way of addressing someone you don't know very well, as a way of being friendly and informal.

It's worth noting that the word "mate" can be used in different ways depending on the context and the relationship between the people involved. For example, two close friends might use the word "mate" to refer to each other, while a group of friends might use it more broadly to refer to anyone in their social circle.