Mildly amusing research on the word "mate"

From the Journal of Pragmatics. This is worth of an IG Noble award.

http://www.sciencedirect.com/science?_ob=ArticleURL&_udi=B6VCW-4XH566V-3&_user=10&_coverDate=05/31/2010&_rdoc=3&_fmt=high&_orig=browse&_srch=doc-info(%23toc%235965%232010%23999579994%231805709%23FLP%23display%23Volume)&_cdi=5965&_sort=d&_docanchor=&_ct=18&_acct=C000050221&_version=1&_urlVersion=0&_userid=10&md5=c4151948d2f1003e9fe5d642a0b9fea8
<http://www.sciencedirect.com/science?_ob=ArticleURL&_udi=B6VCW-4XH566V-3&_user=10&_coverDate=05/31/2010&_rdoc=3&_fmt=high&_orig=browse&_srch=doc-info%28%23toc%235965%232010%23999579994%231805709%23FLP%23display%23Volume%29&_cdi=5965&_sort=d&_docanchor=&_ct=18&_acct=C000050221&_version=1&_urlVersion=0&_userid=10&md5=c4151948d2f1003e9fe5d642a0b9fea8>
*

Rendle-Short, J. 2009,

*'Mate' as a term of address in ordinary interaction, Journal of Pragmatics.
This paper focuses on the sequential environment of the address term
'mate', contrasting the post-positioned 'mate' (e.g. 'hello mate') with
the pre-positioned 'mate' (e.g. 'mate how are ya'). Because 'mate'
occurs in a wide variety of situations and carries with it a range of
interpretations, it is an extremely popular term that can be used not
only when talking to friends, but also between casual acquaintances who
may never talk to each other again. However, it can also be negatively
interpreted, especially in ironic and antagonistic contexts. This paper
will argue that the interpretation of 'mate' is closely tied to its
sequential placement. When post-positioned, 'mate' overwhelmingly occurs
in openings and closings of conversations or following assessments,
agreements, acknowledgements and appreciations, presenting an attitude
of open friendliness towards the other person. This is no more evident
than when 'mate' plays a mitigating role following requests, advice
giving or even disagreements. However when pre-positioned, it changes
the sequential organization of the talk (as do pre-positioned address
terms in general), giving the turn first status. It will be argued that
it is only through understanding its sequential position that we can
begin to understand why 'mate' is sometimes interpreted as antagonistic
or hostile.