# badass

/ˈbæˌdæs/ (US)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/badass
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. impressive and tough

adjective · CEFR B2 · Slang · American English

very cool, strong, or impressive because of skill or courage.

For teachers: 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.

### 2. mean or aggressive

adjective · CEFR C1 · Slang · American English

behaving in a mean, aggressive, or troublesome way.

For teachers: 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.

### 3. a tough person

noun · CEFR B2 · Slang · American English

a person who is very tough, brave, or skilled.

For teachers: 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.

## Examples

- That guitar solo was totally badass.
- She looks like a badass in that leather jacket and combat boots.
- The protagonist's badass attitude and refusal to back down from the corrupt authorities made her an instant icon for the underground resistance movement.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.