When used to address somebody or get their attention, the word mate is usually reserved for men only. However, women might often be heard referring to themselves as 'good mates' too.
Men and women can be both be mates of both men and women. In most UK dialects where it is used, it just means “friend” (with subtle shadings of meaning depending on the dialect). So the answer is “yes”.
So, 'mate' is British slang for a friend. But, like a lot of British slang, mate is a word that is used as much sarcastically as it is sincerely. You're just as likely to call someone 'mate' when they're your friend as when they're annoying you.
Yes, “mate” IS gender neutral.
In Australia, the term mate is used a lot. There is a code of ethics in using it correctly, however. These are some guidelines to assist you: Men use mate, women NEVER do.
The word “mate” is very common in Australian and British English and can help you sound a lot more natural when speaking Englsih in these places. Although it's not used in American English, it is understood by English speakers all over the world.
The Australian National Dictionary explains that the Australian usages of mate derive from the British word 'mate' meaning 'a habitual companion, an associate, fellow, comrade; a fellow-worker or partner', and that in British English it is now only in working-class use.
Aussie Slang Words For Women:
Chick. Woman. Lady. Bird.
Buddy is not necessarily male, the word has no gender connotations of its own in present day usage. If feminine gender is to be expressly stated, then girl-pal/ gal-pal might work.
It really depends on the tone and who is asking. It can come off as rude or kind depending on how a person says it.
'Lass' or 'lassie' is another word for 'girl'. This is mainly in the north of England and Scotland. 'Lad' is another word for boy. 'Bloke' or 'chap' means 'man'.
'Dear' is the only real addition to the standard 'darling' that most couples will need, with perhaps a 'love' and a standard 'darling' thrown in here and there. Come the 60-year anniversary, many British couples are content with a few grunts over the breakfast tea and toast.
2. “Mate” What does it mean? Another word for friend. Common in Britain as well, but used even more enthusiastically by Aussies, who pepper the ends of their sentences with a longer, stretched out “maaaaate” that conveys friendliness and establishes a relaxed bond between the speakers.
Mate is a term for friend used by many people around the world. He sees you like a sibling or best friend but, not a romantic or love interest.
Mate/pal work just fine for ladies as long as they actually are your friend: best of mates, we're just mates, pals together and so on, but, mate/pal doesn't work as well as it does with men when the woman you are apologising to is unknown to you.
gal noun (GIRL)
a woman or girl: You're just an old-fashioned gal, aren't you, honey!
A pal is a good friend.
Buddy. This one is definitely more common in the US and Canada. In a way, it's almost the North American equivalent to the term "mate." In some instances, this word might be shortened to "bud," which essentially means the same thing.
Pash (pash) / Kiss
An indelicate description of kissing passionately, hence the name. Pashing typically leads to two things: pash rash (red marks around the lips caused by excessive kissing), and/or rooting (the crass Australian term for the birds and the bees).
This week we shine a spotlight on a quintessential piece of Aussie slang, a word famous the world over: sheila. A sheila is a woman. In use since the 1830s, sheila has its origin in a generic use of the common Irish girl's name.
In Australia, a 'mate' is more than just a friend and is a term that implies a sense of shared experience, mutual respect and unconditional assistance.
In reference to the British, first attested in Australia in 1912 as rhyming slang for immigrant with additional reference to the likelihood of sunburn turning their skin pomegranate red.