What does Based mean?
Authentic and Unapologetic
Detailed Explanation
Based is a multifaceted term that originally meant being oneself without caring about others' opinions. It signifies authenticity and confidence. In modern usage, it's often used to express agreement with a bold or controversial opinion, essentially meaning 'I agree' or 'that's a valid, brave point.' The term's meaning can be highly contextual and has been used by various online subcultures.
Usage Examples
“He's not afraid to share his unique taste in music, he's so based.”
“That's a hot take, but honestly, based.”
“Person A: Pineapple belongs on pizza. Person B: Based.”
Origin & History
The term was coined and popularized by rapper Lil B ('The BasedGod') around 2010. He defined it as a positive term for being true to oneself. It was later co-opted by various political communities online before re-entering mainstream slang.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'based' a political term?
It can be, but not exclusively. While some political groups use it to affirm their ideologies, it is widely used non-politically in gaming and meme culture to simply mean something is cool, agreeable, or authentic.