But there are so many different types of people in the world. How is someone expected to know that something is specifically offensive to one person, unless that person tells them?

I habitually refer to everyone as “dude”, but I certainly would stop calling someone “dude” if they asked me to stop. I know a lot of people feel the same way that I do, so please let it be known if you’re uncomfortable with certain terms. Sure, there are people that are going to be total assholes about it, but I’d say that’s a great indicator to steer clear of that person.