The term 'The Dude' is a reference to the character Jeff Lebowski, the protagonist of the 1998 cult classic film The Big Lebowski. The crossword solution 'abides' is a reference to one of the Dude's most famous lines in the movie, 'The Dude abides'. This line is spoken by the Dude in response to a challenge to his laid-back lifestyle and serves as a reminder that he will remain true to himself no matter what.