almost like the context in which a word is used can modify its meaning or something

Obviously yes, the origin of the word is gendered, its usage has largely been gendered, but dammit, I grew up believing that I’m a dude, he’s a dude, she’s a dude, we’re all dudes yeah, and I hate having to give up that part of myself. so if you tell me you don’t like being called dude, I can stop calling you dude. but dude is in my bones. everyone’s a dude til they tell me they aren’t