I think this started out as a way to celbrate a brother...Bubba was often used as a nickname for a brother...but has grown to include good friends. In the South we've seen it extended to include mean country folk as well. Whatever the meaning, salud to brothers of all kinds...familial or other.
It's also Natonal Cancer Survivor Day. Hats off to all who have beaten this disease. Bless the day it's gone forever.