this post was submitted on 14 Nov 2023
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The literal meaning is a really informal "old one" but can also mean "age" in another context. It is used exactly like you described.
So Germans colloquially call each other "old man"? That's kinda hilarious
It is one way to do so, german youth also use several english terms or "Digga" which is a modified form of the word "Dicker" meaning fat. Although I am no linguist I would assume that Alter and Dicker were used in combination with Freund (friend) first since those are valid phrases that still are in use.
As much as English speakers call each other "male sibling" or "canine".
Technically correct, but no one makes that association in everyday language.