Badass
Definitions and Meaning in English
- A person who is tough, impressive, or admired for their strength, skill, or attitude.
- Someone who defies conventional norms, often in a bold, fearless, and rebellious manner.
- A term used to describe something that is cool, powerful, or remarkable.
- An individual known for their ability to handle challenges with confidence and resilience.
- A strong or intimidating character, often used in a positive, admiring context.
History and Origin
The term badass originated in American slang, with its use becoming more prominent in the mid-20th century. It combines “bad,” in the sense of being rebellious or tough, with “ass,” which, in this context, refers to a person’s ability or characteristics. The term was initially used to describe individuals who displayed extreme toughness or disregard for authority. Over time, it evolved into a more general expression of admiration for someone’s strength, confidence, or impressive abilities, whether physical or mental.
Detailed Explanation
Badass is a colloquial term that refers to someone who exudes toughness, confidence, and strength, often in a way that breaks societal expectations or norms. It is used both to describe a person’s character and to refer to objects, actions, or performances that are notably impressive or outstanding. A badass person is typically someone who is self-assured, brave, and unapologetically unique. While it can be used to compliment someone’s abilities or persona, it may also describe things that are considered particularly bold, rebellious, or awe-inspiring.
Example Sentences
- He’s a badass athlete, breaking records in every competition.
- She showed off her badass attitude by standing up to the boss.
- The movie featured a badass hero who never backed down from a fight.
- That car is a badass machine; it can go from 0 to 60 in just a few seconds.
- The badass biker gang roared through the streets on their motorcycles.
- She gave a badass performance, earning a standing ovation.
- The badass soldier saved the day with his quick thinking and bravery.
- I love how badass her style is—she wears whatever she wants and owns it.
- His badass work ethic inspires everyone around him to work harder.
Synonyms with Short Explanation
- Tough – A person or thing that is resilient, durable, or able to withstand challenges, similar to being badass.
- Fearless – Describes someone who is unafraid to take risks or face danger, a key trait of a badass individual.
- Intimidating – Someone who causes others to feel fear or awe, often seen as badass because of their strong presence.
- Impressive – Describes something that stands out because of its quality, size, or ability, akin to the awe inspired by a badass.
- Formidable – A person or thing that is strong and capable of overcoming great challenges, much like a badass.
Related Words with Short Explanation
- Rebel – Someone who defies authority or rules, often fitting the badass stereotype of going against the norm.
- Maverick – An independent person who doesn’t follow traditional paths, often seen as a badass due to their originality.
- Warrior – A person who fights with bravery, often seen as badass due to their courage and resilience.
- Hero – A person admired for courage and noble qualities, which can also be associated with being a badass.
- Outlaw – Someone who lives outside the law, often regarded as a badass for their rebellious nature.
More Matches with Short Explanation
- Legend – A person known for their extraordinary accomplishments, sometimes used to describe a badass individual.
- Savage – Refers to someone with a fierce or untamed nature, often linked to the badass persona.
- Boss – A person in control, confident, and authoritative, often described as a badass due to their leadership.
- Killer – In this context, someone who is exceptionally good at what they do, often used as a compliment, like badass.
- Bad Boy – A person who is rebellious or nonconformist, similar to the badass archetype.
Antonyms
- Timid – A person who is shy or lacks courage, the opposite of a badass.
- Meek – Someone who is submissive or lacking in assertiveness, in contrast to a badass.
- Weak – Lacking strength, both physically and mentally, opposite of the strength implied by badass.
- Fearful – A person who is afraid and lacks the courage often associated with being badass.
- Submissive – A person who easily follows others, in contrast to the independent and bold nature of a badass.