noun/adj Uncommon

badass

BA-das

Badass (noun/adj) means someone impressively tough, skilled, or fearless, often used admiringly. Example: “She's a total badass — she climbed the mountain solo in winter.”

noun/adj

Someone impressively tough, skilled, or fearless, often used admiringly.

"She's a total badass — she climbed the mountain solo in winter."

"That was a badass move, taking on the whole team by yourself."

How to use badass

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishImpressively tough, cool, or fearless — usually said as a compliment, though it can also describe someone genuinely aggressive or mean.

When to use it

Informal slang; avoid in formal writing or professional contexts.

Common pairings

total badass badass move

Word forms

more badass comparative, badasses plural, most badass superlative

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Etymology

A slang compound of bad and ass, using "bad" in its informal sense of "impressively tough" rather than its usual negative meaning.

Frequently asked questions

What does “badass” mean?

The word “badass” means someone impressively tough, skilled, or fearless, often used admiringly. In plain terms, impressively tough, cool, or fearless — usually said as a compliment, though it can also describe someone genuinely aggressive or mean.

How do you pronounce “badass”?

“Badass” is pronounced BA-das (/ˈbædˌæs/ in IPA).

How do you use “badass” in a sentence?

Here is “badass” used in a sentence: “She's a total badass — she climbed the mountain solo in winter.”

What part of speech is “badass”?

“Badass” is a noun/adj.

Is “badass” a common word?

“Badass” is an uncommon word in modern English.