Mate
What it really means
A friendly word for "friend". British people use it to address friends and even strangers, especially between men. It usually makes a sentence sound warmer.
Context, tips & common mistakes
"Mate" is heard everywhere in England and Wales; in Scotland you will hear "pal" doing the same job, and in parts of the North "pal", "lad" or "our kid". It is used most between men, but plenty of women use it too, especially among younger generations. The crucial nuance is tone: a warm "cheers, mate" builds friendliness, but a flat, clipped "Mate." at the start of a sentence often signals annoyance — "Mate, you can't park there" is a telling-off, not a greeting. Newcomers most often misjudge the register: do not call your lecturer, landlord or a police officer "mate", and be careful using it before you can hear the difference between friendly and confrontational uses. It is perfectly fine, though, with taxi drivers, bar staff and fellow students almost from day one.