Dukes

1. A pronoun often preceded by "Ma", "Mama", "Mom", "Pa", or "Papa" that refers to the generic last name of an especially endearing and respectable motherly or fatherly figure. Also used to one of your specific parents. Interchangeable with "Duke".

2. Plural for your own parents.

3. A term used to refer to an individual or individuals you respect at least somewhat and would prefer to call them something other than "dude". In this context, "duke" is singular while "dukes" is both singular and plural.

"Beef rap, could lead to gettin teeth capped,

or even a wreath for Mom Dukes on some grief crap"

- MF DOOM, "Beef Wrap", Mm.. Food, 2004

"'Cause Mom Duke ain't givin' me shit
So for the bread and butter, I leave niggas in the gutter"
- Notorious BIG, "Gimme The Loot", Ready To Die, 1994

"yo you busy?"
"nah, but Ma Dukes says I gotta stay in tonight."

"yo you busy?"
"nah, just hangin' with the dukes rn."

*walks into room of good friends and good company*
"yoooooooo whats up, dukes!?"

*answer phone call from good friend*
"yo what up duke?"