badassed
|bad-assed|
/ˈbædæst/
(badass)
extreme toughness/coolness
Etymology
'badassed' originates from English, specifically the compound 'badass' with the past-tense/past-participle suffix '-ed', where 'bad' originally meant 'bad/ill' and 'ass' (literally 'donkey') was used in slang as an intensifier or to refer to a person (later shortened to mean 'butt' or to intensify an adjective).
'badass' emerged in mid-20th century American slang as 'bad-ass' meaning a dangerous or nasty person; over time the term was reinterpreted more positively to mean someone or something tough, impressive, or admirable, and the adjectival/verb forms (including 'badassed') developed by adding ordinary English suffixes.
Initially it meant 'a person who is dangerous or morally bad' (negative), but over time it evolved into the positive/admiring sense of 'tough, impressive, or cool' used in modern informal English.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Verb 1
past tense or past participle form of 'badass' (informal verb meaning to make or render someone/something more badass).
He badassed his old motorcycle with a new paint job and chrome parts.
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Adjective 1
having the qualities of a 'badass': extremely tough, intimidating, or formidable in appearance or manner.
The badassed guard stared down the intruders without flinching.
Synonyms
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Idioms
Last updated: 2025/12/29 19:54
