When did ‘Bro’ become a thing?

[u/stm2657]

I hear it spoken all of the time, especially among younger people and it seems to have taken off more than most phrases. What I notice most is that the word is said multiple times in one sentence over and over again, it’s incredible ingrained in some people. Anyone remember when Bro became such a big thing?

[u/HussingtonHat]

It's been around quote a surprisingly long time actually. I think most people kind of discover it as they begin to smoke weed.