badass
- 01 B2 Upper Intermediate
adj.very cool, strong, or impressive because of skill or courage.
adj.characterised by an impressive degree of toughness, skill, or audacity that commands respect.
Simple“That guitar solo was totally badass and the crowd loved it.”
In context“The protagonist's badass attitude and refusal to back down made her an instant icon for fans of the action genre.”
UsageCommonly used as a high compliment in informal settings to describe skill or style.
Synonyms - 02 C1 Advanced
adj.behaving in a mean, aggressive, or troublesome way.
adj.exhibiting a belligerent, aggressive, or antisocial disposition.
Simple“He has a badass reputation for starting fights in the neighborhood.”
In context“The local gang was led by a badass character who used intimidation to maintain control over the streets.”
Teacher's tipWhile often a compliment today, this older sense is negative and describes someone genuinely unpleasant or dangerous.
Synonyms - 03 B2 Upper Intermediate
n.a person who is very tough, brave, or skilled.
n.an individual who is perceived as exceptionally tough, daring, or formidable.
Simple“My grandmother was a real badass who worked three jobs to support her family.”
In context“In the world of professional stunt driving, he is considered the ultimate badass for completing jumps that others refuse to attempt.”
From bad + ass (“buttocks; one's self or person”).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.