Regions
Recently, I was asked an interesting question by an individual who had never heard of a dude ranch. The question was, “is a “dude ranch” just for men or can anyone come?”
I have to admit, I laughed a little when I first heard the question. After more thought, I am surprised that given the modern use of the word “dude,” I don’t get this question more often. The urban dictionary defines “dude” as “A word that Americans use to address each other. Particularly stoners, surfers and skaters.” Merriam-Webster dictionary, when asked to define the term for kids, defines dude as a “man or guy.”
In a November 2013 article, in The Atlantic titled, “A Brief History of Dude”, J.J. Gould describes this modern use of “dude” further: “The contemporary use of dude developed in the Pacific Coast surfing culture of the early 1960s, it entered mainstream popular culture in the early ’80s, and it’s persisted, until recently, along the same basic lines.” He goes on to say: “According to Scott F. Kiesling, the author of a seminal 2004 study from the journal American Speech—titled, yes, “Dude”—the term has long implied a particular understanding of fellowship among guys. Its dominant linguistic function, Kiesling argues, has been to enable men, mainly young men, to address one another in a conspicuously straight mode of laid-back camaraderie: “Dude allows men to create a stance … of closeness with other men (satisfying masculine solidarity) that also maintains a casual … distance.” These modern uses of the word are most certainly where most of the confusion arises when someone hears the term “dude ranch” and is led to, quite naturally ask, if the ranch is just for dudes…guys…men.
An old use of the word “dude” comes in the form of a verb. Dictionary.com defines dude as a verb that means to “dress up elaborately.” For example, a sentence I can easily imagine my grandmother using: “The groom was all dude up in silver and black.” I am more inclined to believe the industry’s use of the word “dude” originates from this context.
When dude ranches became popular in the American West, it was only the very wealthy could afford the long trip west and the high fees associated with experiencing the “real west” on a ranch. These ranch guests often bought elaborate outfits to fit the role of “cowboy”, in an effort to make their ranch experience more authentic. Who wouldn’t want to dress up like a cowboy? The big hat, boots, chaps and handkerchiefs aren’t just functional, they’re fun! Have you ever walked through a barn wearing a pair of chinks with long fringe on the bottom? Who needs dresses with ruffles when you can have leather fringe? That stuff has some serious twirl-able action to it! But I am getting off-topic… The meaning and use of “dude” is as varied, it seems, as the people who use it.
Dude ranches are not just for men. No, they are for anyone who wants to experience the spirit of the West. Anyone who saw that western movie and wished they could saddle up and ride into the sunset with John Wayne, Roy Rogers, or even Billy Crystal. To avoid confusion, which, I hope I have just cleared up somewhat, many ranches have chosen to identify themselves as “guest ranch”. But whether you call it a guest ranch or a dude ranch makes no difference. The same goal, the same purpose lays at the foundation of every dude and guest ranch; to keep the principles, adventure, and spirit of the West alive and to help their guests discover it through an authentic, western, ranch experience.
Book a vacation at the Western Pleasure Ranch and discover for yourself the meaning of a dude ranch.
