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English

badassed

|bad-assed|

C1

/ˈbædæst/

(badass)

extreme toughness/coolness

Base FormPlural3rd Person Sing.PastPast ParticiplePresent ParticipleComparativeSuperlativeVerbAdverb
badassbadassesbadassesbadassedbadassedbadassingmore badassmost badassbadass (to make or act more badass)badassly
Etymology
Etymology Information

'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).

Historical Evolution

'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.

Meaning Changes

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.

Synonyms

Antonyms

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

Antonyms

Adjective 2

extremely cool, impressive, or awe-inspiring (colloquial, approving).

That band pulled off a badassed encore that blew the audience away.

Synonyms

awesomeimpressivecoolbadass (colloquial)

Antonyms

Last updated: 2025/12/29 19:54