Word
badass
/ˈbæˌdæs/
Definitions
01impressive and tough
B2 · Upper Intermediate Slang · American English
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.
“That guitar solo was totally badass and the crowd loved it.”
“The protagonist's badass attitude and refusal to back down made her an instant icon for fans of the action genre.”
Usage
Commonly used as a high compliment in informal settings to describe skill or style.
Synonyms
02mean or aggressive
C1 · Advanced Slang · American English
adj. behaving in a mean, aggressive, or troublesome way.
adj. exhibiting a belligerent, aggressive, or antisocial disposition.
“He has a badass reputation for starting fights in the neighborhood.”
“The local gang was led by a badass character who used intimidation to maintain control over the streets.”
Teaching tip
While often a compliment today, this older sense is negative and describes someone genuinely unpleasant or dangerous.
Synonyms
03a tough person
B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun Slang · American English
n. a person who is very tough, brave, or skilled.
n. an individual who is perceived as exceptionally tough, daring, or formidable.
“My grandmother was a real badass who worked three jobs to support her family.”
“In the world of professional stunt driving, he is considered the ultimate badass for completing jumps that others refuse to attempt.”
Synonyms
Etymology
From bad + ass (“buttocks; one's self or person”).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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