Suh Dude
Also known as: Asuh Dude · Suh Dew
"Suh Dude" is a slurred, stoner-inflected greeting meaning "What's up, dude?" that blew up on Vine in late 2015. The phrase was popularized by Vine comedian Nick Colletti and dubstep producer Tanner Petulla (a.k.a. Getter) through a series of short video clips featuring lazy peace signs and half-closed eyes1. It quickly became one of Vine's signature catchphrases, spawning merchandise, a dedicated website, and countless imitations before the platform's shutdown.
Overview
"Suh Dude" is a deliberately slurred way of saying "sup dude," which is itself shorthand for "what's up, dude?"3. The phrase is pronounced roughly as "suh-dew" and is delivered in a low, drawling voice that suggests the speaker is extremely relaxed or high1. The visual signature of the meme includes lazy peace signs thrown up at the camera and eyes squinted halfway shut, mimicking the laid-back demeanor that Tanner Petulla brought to the original clips1.
The greeting caught on because of its dead-simple format and infectious delivery. Anyone could replicate it: just slur your words, squint, and throw up a peace sign. That low barrier to entry made it perfect for Vine's six-second format3.
On March 23, 2015, Nick Colletti uploaded a Vine of himself yelling "ayy dude!" during a phone call with Tanner Petulla3. Petulla responded with a casual "suh dude," and the clip captured that exchange in its raw, unpolished form1. At the time, it was just a quick moment between friends. Colletti was building a following as a Vine comedian, while Petulla was known in the electronic music scene as the dubstep producer Getter1.
The phrase sat relatively quiet for months. Then on November 13, 2015, Colletti posted a new Vine of himself saying "suh dude" directly to the camera while making peace signs3. The same day, Petulla uploaded several of his own "suh dude" clips to Vine, each one delivered with the same squinty, half-baked energy that would define the meme3.
Origin & Background
How It Spread
Media
How to Use This Meme
The "Suh Dude" format is simple. Use it as a greeting, either in video or text:
Say "suh dude" (or "asuh dude") in a slow, slurred voice
Squint your eyes halfway closed
Throw up a lazy peace sign at the camera
Optionally, add a low chuckle before or after the phrase
Cultural Impact
Fun Facts
The word "suh" appeared in print as a variant spelling of "sir" as far back as the 19th century, long before Vine existed.
"Suh" is also a common Korean surname, a transliteration of the Hangul 서, shared by roughly 700,000 people as of a 2000 census.
NFL defensive lineman Ndamukong Suh shares the surname but has no connection to the meme.
The original March 2015 Vine sat for nearly eight months before the November clips turned the phrase into a full-blown meme.
Derivatives & Variations
Suhdu.de soundboard
— A single-purpose website created on January 16, 2016, featuring a button that plays Petulla's "suh dude" audio clip[3].
TrippyBurger merchandise
— T-shirts and other items bearing the "Suh Dude" catchphrase, sold through Petulla's retail site starting December 28, 2015[1].
Peace sign imitation videos
— Spinoff clips featuring people holding up lazy peace signs with squinted eyes, mimicking Petulla's delivery style[1].
Frequently Asked Questions
References (4)
- 1suh | Slang | Dictionary.comarticle
- 2Suh Dude - Know Your Memeencyclopedia
- 3
- 4Suh Dude - Urban Dictionarydictionary