Geographical Usage of "Mate"

I was wondering where the term, "mate," is most popular? When I think of the term, "mate," I think of Australia and England, but I was wondering if anyone else has some input on this.

Mate here is defined as meaning anybody. I do not mean the verb nor do I mean it as a spouse. Example in a sentence: "Hey, mate, can you give me a hand with this?"

Thank you all in advance.

Solution 1:

I was wondering where the term, "mate," is most popular?

Only among the English, Kiwis (people from New Zealand) and Aussies (people from Australia), as far as I'm aware.

I'd say it's "most" associated with Australians, perhaps because it forms part of an iconic Australian greeting;

G'day mate!

Incidentally, the term mate in this context came into the English lexicon via sailors in the 18th century. Presumably that's why it's commonly associated with pirates.

I hope that answers your question.

Solution 2:

The Collins online dictionary (definition 3)says that it is mainly used in England, Australia and New Zealand. As a native speaker of BrE, my impression is that it was more commonly used in England in the 1950s than it is now. I have rarely heard it used by what we might snobbishly call 'educated' people of my generation (over sixty), though my son and his male friends (mid to late thirties) use it sometimes of their friends and, occasionally, as a form of address.