A friend or companion; a sexual partner; or in chess, to achieve checkmate.
From Middle Low German 'mate' meaning messmate, one who shares meals. Originally referred to sailors who ate together, extending to any close companion or partner, and eventually to romantic relationships and chess terminology.
Australian English has embraced 'mate' as a universal friendly address, but the word's nautical origins explain its egalitarian spirit - on ships, shared meals broke down social hierarchies. The chess meaning of 'mate' comes from Arabic 'māt' meaning 'died,' showing how the same sound can evolve completely different meanings.
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