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B2 adjective / noun #14 最常用 14分钟阅读

badass

前14

At the A1 level, 'badass' is a word you might hear in movies or songs, but you don't need to use it yet. Think of it as a very strong way to say 'very cool' or 'very strong.' Imagine a superhero who fights many bad guys and never gets scared—that person is a badass. It is a word for someone who is like a 'boss.' However, because it has a small 'bad' word in it ('ass'), you should be careful. Only use it with friends when you are talking about something really amazing, like a cool car or a great video game move. It is a 'slang' word, which means it is for talking, not for school work. If you want to be safe, you can just say 'very cool' or 'awesome.' But if you hear it, now you know it means someone is very impressive and tough.

For A2 learners, 'badass' is an informal adjective used to describe someone who is impressively tough or skilled. It is common in casual English. You might use it to describe a character in an action movie or a friend who did something brave. For example, 'My brother is a badass; he saved a cat from a tall tree.' It is important to know that it is a compliment, even though it starts with the word 'bad.' In this context, 'bad' means 'so good it's scary' or 'very tough.' You will mostly hear it in American English. Remember that it is not a polite word for formal situations. If you are talking to a teacher or a boss, use words like 'brave,' 'impressive,' or 'talented' instead. Use 'badass' when you are hanging out with friends and want to sound more natural and enthusiastic about something cool.

At the B1 level, you can start to understand the nuance of 'badass.' It is not just about being 'cool'; it is about having a certain type of 'tough' attitude. A badass is someone who doesn't care what other people think and does what they believe is right, even if it is hard. It can be used as a noun ('He is a badass') or an adjective ('That was a badass guitar solo'). You will notice it frequently in pop culture, especially in reviews of movies or music. It implies a level of competence that is so high it commands respect. However, as a B1 student, you should be aware of the 'register' of this word. It is highly informal. Using it in a job interview or a formal email would be a mistake. It is best used in social settings, sports, or when discussing entertainment. It’s a way to show you understand the 'edgy' side of English vocabulary.

At the B2 level, you should be comfortable using 'badass' in appropriate informal contexts. You understand that it describes a combination of skill, confidence, and a formidable personality. It often carries a sense of 'rebellion'—a badass doesn't just follow the rules; they make their own. You might use it to describe a 'disruptor' in the tech industry or an athlete who overcomes a major injury. You should also be aware of the noun 'badassery,' which refers to the quality of being a badass. At this level, you can distinguish between someone being 'mean' (negative) and someone being a 'badass' (positive admiration of strength). You also understand that the word is an example of 'amelioration,' where a word's meaning has shifted from negative to positive over time. Use it to add color to your descriptions of people or actions that are truly extraordinary and tough.

For C1 learners, 'badass' is a tool for expressing high-level informal praise. You should understand its sociolinguistic implications—how it functions as a marker of 'cool' and 'authenticity' in various subcultures. You can use it to analyze character archetypes in literature or film, noting how the 'badass' often serves as a modern version of the 'Byronic hero'—someone who is intelligent, mysterious, and emotionally complex, yet tough and independent. You should also be sensitive to the potential for the word to be seen as slightly aggressive or masculine, though it is now frequently and powerfully applied to women as well (the 'female badass' trope). At this level, you can use the word with precision, perhaps using it ironically or to highlight the 'performative' nature of someone's toughness. You understand that its power comes from its proximity to profanity, making it a 'strong' word that should be used for maximum impact.

At the C2 level, you have a masterly grasp of 'badass' and its place in the English lexicon. You can discuss its etymological roots and its evolution from a 1950s American slang term for a 'mean or difficult person' to a globalized synonym for 'formidable excellence.' You are aware of the subtle differences in how it is perceived across different English-speaking cultures (e.g., its slightly more 'American' flavor compared to British alternatives like 'hard' or 'legend'). You can use it in complex sentence structures, such as 'His reputation for being a badass was only eclipsed by his genuine humility.' You understand the word's role in 'identity construction'—how calling oneself or others a 'badass' reinforces certain values like self-reliance and grit. You are also capable of navigating the fine line between using the word to show 'insider' status in a group and avoiding it to maintain a professional persona when necessary.

开始练习例句笔记与提示

badass 30秒了解

Informal term for a tough, skilled, and impressively cool person or thing.
Used as both a noun ('He is a badass') and an adjective ('That's a badass car').
Carries a high level of respect and admiration in casual social contexts.
Should be avoided in formal or professional settings due to its profane roots.

The term badass is a multifaceted English expression that has evolved significantly from its literal roots. In modern parlance, it functions as both an adjective and a noun, primarily serving to describe an individual who exhibits an extreme level of toughness, independence, and impressive skill. When you call someone a badass, you are not suggesting they are 'bad' in a moral sense; rather, you are highlighting their formidable nature and their ability to handle difficult situations with a cool, unshakeable confidence. This word is deeply embedded in contemporary pop culture, often associated with action heroes, innovative thinkers, and anyone who breaks the mold of conventionality to achieve something extraordinary. It carries a heavy weight of respect, though it remains informal and should be used with caution in professional environments.

The Core Essence: At its heart, being a badass is about competence paired with a lack of concern for superficial social approval. It is the person who walks into a room and commands attention not by shouting, but by the sheer weight of their presence and proven track record of success in high-stakes environments.

She completed the ultramarathon with a broken toe, proving she is a total badass.

Historically, the term was more literal and often derogatory, implying someone who was mean-spirited or difficult to deal with. However, through the late 20th century, particularly within American cinema and music, the 'badass' became a celebrated archetype—the lone wolf who fights for justice or the rebel who refuses to follow unjust rules. This transition from negative to positive is a classic example of linguistic 'reclamation' or 'amelioration,' where a word with negative connotations is adopted by a subculture and turned into a badge of honor. Today, the word is ubiquitous in sports commentary, tech startup culture, and everyday social media interactions to denote excellence that is slightly edgy or unconventional.

The Noun vs. Adjective: As an adjective, it describes qualities: 'That was a badass guitar solo.' As a noun, it identifies the person: 'He is a real badass.' Both forms are equally common and carry the same high-energy, positive connotation.

The new fighter jet has a badass design that makes it nearly invisible to radar.

In terms of social dynamics, calling someone a badass acknowledges their agency. It suggests they are the protagonist of their own story, capable of overcoming obstacles that would stop an average person. This is why the term is so frequently applied to firefighters, surgeons, extreme athletes, and whistleblowers. It is about the intersection of bravery and skill. When using this word, you are essentially saying, 'I am impressed by your strength and your refusal to be intimidated by the world around you.'

You stood up to the CEO when no one else would; that was badass.

Global Reach: Though originating in American English, the term has spread globally through Hollywood and the internet. You will hear it used by English speakers in London, Sydney, and Singapore, often with the same high-status informal meaning.

The protagonist in that anime is such a badass that he never even breaks a sweat during battle.

To summarize, a badass is the embodiment of 'cool under pressure.' It is a word that bridges the gap between fear and admiration. It is used when 'good' or 'talented' isn't strong enough to describe the level of grit and expertise being displayed. Whether it is a grandmother who skydives for her 90th birthday or a programmer who fixes a critical server error in five minutes, the term celebrates the extraordinary within the human spirit.

He wore a badass leather jacket that made him look like a movie star from the fifties.

Using badass correctly requires an understanding of its grammatical versatility and its social register. While it is predominantly an adjective, its noun form is equally potent. Because it is a slang-derived term, its placement in a sentence often follows the rules of informal spoken English. You can use it to modify a noun directly, or you can use it as a predicate adjective following a linking verb like 'is' or 'seems.' Understanding the nuance of its intensity is key; it is a high-impact word that should be reserved for things that truly warrant such a strong descriptor.

Attributive Usage: This is when the word comes before the noun it describes. For example: 'He has a badass car.' Here, it acts as a direct modifier, immediately coloring the listener's perception of the object.

That badass move on the chessboard secured her the championship title.

When using 'badass' as a noun, it often follows an article ('a' or 'the') or a possessive pronoun. For instance, 'She is a total badass' or 'He thinks he's a badass.' In these cases, the word encapsulates the entire identity of the person in that moment. It is often preceded by intensifiers like 'total,' 'complete,' 'real,' or 'absolute' to further emphasize the degree of their toughness or skill. This usage is very common in storytelling and casual anecdotes.

Predicative Usage: This occurs after a verb. 'The ending of that movie was badass.' This structure is useful for giving an opinion or a reaction to an event or an object after it has been introduced.

The way she handled that difficult customer was truly badass.

One of the most interesting ways to use 'badass' is in the context of 'badassery,' which is the abstract noun form. While not in every dictionary, it is widely used to describe the quality of being a badass. For example, 'The level of badassery in this room is incredible.' This allows you to discuss the concept rather than just the person or the action. It adds a layer of playfulness to the conversation while maintaining the core meaning of high-level competence and grit.

I want to achieve that level of badassery in my own professional career.

Comparative and Superlative: English speakers rarely say 'badasser' or 'badassest.' Instead, they use 'more badass' and 'most badass.' For example: 'This is the most badass guitar I have ever seen.'

He is definitely more badass than he looks at first glance.

Finally, remember that 'badass' is often used as an exclamation. If you see someone perform a difficult feat, simply saying 'Badass!' is a valid and powerful way to show your appreciation. It functions as a one-word sentence that conveys awe and respect. This is particularly common in high-energy environments like concerts, sporting events, or gaming sessions where quick, impactful communication is preferred.

Did you see that flip? Badass!

The word badass is a staple of modern English across various media and social settings. Its prevalence is a testament to the universal appeal of the 'tough but cool' archetype. You will encounter it in movies, television shows, music lyrics, sports broadcasts, and throughout the digital landscape of social media. Understanding where it appears helps you gauge the appropriate context for your own usage. It is a word that thrives in environments where performance, bravery, and style are celebrated.

In Cinema and Television: Action movies are the natural habitat for this word. Characters like John Wick, Ellen Ripley, or Mad Max are frequently described as badasses by fans and critics alike. It is used to describe their ability to survive impossible odds and their uncompromising nature.

The critic described the lead actress as a badass heroine who redefined the genre.

In the music industry, particularly in rock, hip-hop, and metal, 'badass' is used to describe both the artists and their sound. A 'badass riff' or a 'badass beat' implies something that is powerful, well-executed, and perhaps a bit aggressive. Musicians often cultivate a 'badass image' to project confidence and rebellion. Fans use the word to express their deep admiration for an artist's skill and stage presence. It is a term of high praise in the world of creative performance.

In Sports and Athletics: Commentators and fans use 'badass' to describe athletes who play through pain or make incredible plays under pressure. It is often used for MMA fighters, American football players, and extreme sports enthusiasts who push the limits of human capability.

That was a badass save by the goalkeeper in the final seconds of the match.

The tech and business worlds have also adopted the term. In Silicon Valley, a 'badass coder' or a 'badass engineer' is someone who can solve complex problems that others find impossible. Here, the word loses its physical 'toughness' connotation and instead refers to intellectual dominance and efficiency. It is a way of acknowledging someone's superior technical skills in a way that sounds more dynamic and exciting than simply saying they are 'good at their job.'

We need to hire a badass developer to fix this legacy code.

In Everyday Conversation: Among friends, 'badass' is a casual way to compliment someone's achievements. Whether it is getting a promotion, finishing a difficult project, or simply standing up for oneself, the word serves as a high-five in verbal form.

I heard you finished the project a week early—that is so badass!

In conclusion, 'badass' is everywhere because it fills a specific niche in the English language. It combines admiration, respect, and a touch of rebellious energy into a single word. Whether you are watching a blockbuster movie, listening to a podcast about history's most formidable figures, or just chatting with friends at a bar, you are likely to hear this word used to celebrate the extraordinary and the unshakeable.

The documentary highlighted the badass women who fought for civil rights in the 1960s.

While badass is a popular and useful word, it is easy to misuse, especially for non-native speakers. The most common errors involve register, tone, and literal interpretation. Because it contains a mild profanity ('ass'), its use is restricted by social norms that don't apply to synonyms like 'impressive' or 'tough.' Navigating these nuances is essential to ensure you are perceived as a fluent and culturally aware speaker.

Mistake 1: Formal Overuse: The biggest mistake is using 'badass' in formal writing or professional settings. You should never use it in a cover letter, a formal report, or when speaking to a high-ranking official unless the environment is explicitly casual. It can come across as unprofessional or even disrespectful.

Incorrect: I believe I would be a badass addition to your accounting firm.

Another common error is misunderstanding the 'bad' in 'badass.' Some learners might think it implies someone who is actually a bad person or a criminal. While a criminal can be a badass, the word itself is a compliment to their toughness or skill, not a judgment on their morality. Conversely, using it to describe someone who is simply mean or rude is also incorrect. A 'badass' must have some level of admirable competence or strength; a person who is just a bully is usually just called a 'jerk' or an 'asshole.'

Mistake 2: Misapplying the Noun: Sometimes people use 'badass' to describe a situation rather than a person or an object. You can say 'That was a badass move,' but you wouldn't say 'The situation was a badass.' In that case, use the adjective form: 'The situation was badass.'

Incorrect: The concert was a total badass. (Correct: The concert was badass.)

Overuse is also a pitfall. If everything is 'badass,' then nothing is. The word loses its impact if it is used to describe mundane things like a good sandwich or a clear day. Reserve it for things that truly exhibit grit, extraordinary skill, or a formidable presence. Using it too frequently can make a speaker sound like they have a limited vocabulary or are trying too hard to sound 'cool' or 'street.'

Mistake 3: Pronunciation and Stress: Some learners put too much stress on the second syllable. In American English, the stress is typically on the first syllable: **BAD**-ass. Putting the stress on 'ass' can make it sound like you are calling someone an 'ass' (an insult) rather than a 'badass' (a compliment).

Remember: It is BAD-ass, not bad-ASS.

Finally, be aware of the audience. While younger generations and many modern workplaces are comfortable with the word, older or more conservative individuals might still find the 'ass' part offensive. It is always better to observe how others are speaking before introducing slang with profane origins into your own speech. Context is everything in the world of informal English.

He felt embarrassed when he used the word badass in front of his very traditional grandmother.

If you find yourself in a situation where badass is too informal or not quite the right fit, there are many alternatives that capture different facets of its meaning. Whether you want to emphasize toughness, skill, or unconventionality, choosing the right synonym can make your speech more precise and appropriate for the setting. Understanding the subtle differences between these words is a hallmark of advanced English proficiency.

Formidable vs. Badass: 'Formidable' is the formal cousin of 'badass.' It describes someone who inspires fear or respect through being impressively large, powerful, intense, or capable. Use 'formidable' in a business meeting or an academic essay to describe a competitor or a challenge.

The company faces a formidable opponent in the upcoming legal battle.

'Tough' and 'Gritty' are excellent alternatives when you want to focus on the physical or mental endurance aspect. A 'tough' person can handle pain and hardship, while a 'gritty' person has the courage and resolve to keep going despite obstacles. These words lack the 'cool' factor of 'badass' but are more grounded and less slangy. They are perfect for describing athletes, soldiers, or anyone facing a difficult life situation.

Maverick vs. Badass: A 'maverick' is an unorthodox or independent-minded person. This captures the 'rebel' aspect of being a badass. If someone succeeds by breaking the rules or doing things their own way, 'maverick' is a sophisticated and highly positive alternative.

He is a maverick in the world of architecture, always challenging traditional designs.

For a more modern, slightly less edgy vibe, 'boss' (used as an adjective or in the phrase 'like a boss') is a popular alternative. It implies high-level competence and authority. 'That was a boss move' is very similar to 'That was a badass move.' Similarly, 'beast' or 'beast mode' is often used in sports to describe someone performing at an incredibly high, almost non-human level of intensity.

Hardcore: 'Hardcore' describes something that is intense, dedicated, or extreme. It is a great alternative when describing a lifestyle, a hobby, or a specific action that requires a lot of commitment.

Training for a triathlon while working full-time is pretty hardcore.

In summary, while 'badass' is a fantastic, high-energy word, it is just one tool in your linguistic toolbox. By learning when to use 'formidable,' 'maverick,' 'tough,' or 'hardcore,' you can express your admiration for someone's strength and skill in a way that is perfectly tailored to your audience and the situation at hand.

The mountaineer's unyielding spirit was what truly made him a legend.

How Formal Is It?

正式

中性

非正式

Child friendly

俚语

趣味小知识

The word underwent 'amelioration,' a process where a negative word becomes positive. By the 1970s, it was being used in African American Vernacular English (AAVE) and action cinema to describe someone impressively tough. Now, it's a global term of praise.

发音指南

UK /ˈbæd.æs/

US /ˈbæd.æs/

Primary stress is on the first syllable: **BAD**-ass.

押韵词

madcap backtrack fat cat blackjack hat rack snapback backpack flat track

常见错误

Stressing the second syllable (bad-ASS), which can sound like an insult.
Pronouncing 'ass' like 'ace'.
Using a long 'ah' sound in 'bad' (like 'bard').
Mumbling the 'd' so it sounds like 'ba-ass'.
Over-emphasizing the 's' sound at the end.

难度评级

阅读 3/5

Easy to recognize in context but requires understanding of slang.

写作 5/5

Difficult to know exactly when it is appropriate to use.

口语 4/5

Requires correct stress on the first syllable to sound natural.

听力 2/5

Very common in movies and casual speech; easy to hear.

接下来学什么

前置知识

tough cool brave skilled rebel

接下来学习

formidable maverick uncompromising resilient grit

高级

amelioration sociolinguistics archetype byronic hero anti-hero

需要掌握的语法

Amelioration

The word 'bad' becoming 'good' in slang contexts.

Compound Adjectives

Using 'badass' before a noun without a hyphen.

Predicate Adjectives

Using 'badass' after the verb 'to be'.

Intensifiers with Slang

Using 'total' or 'complete' to boost the meaning of 'badass'.

Choosing between 'formidable' and 'badass' based on the audience.

按水平分级的例句

He is a badass superhero.

Il est un super-héros très cool et fort.

Used as an adjective before the noun.

That car is badass!

Cette voiture est géniale !

Used as a predicate adjective.

She is a total badass.

Elle est vraiment très forte et cool.

Used as a noun with the intensifier 'total'.

Look at his badass boots.

Regarde ses bottes trop cool.

Attributive adjective.

He acts like a badass.

Il agit comme un dur à cuire.

Simile using 'like a'.

Is he a badass?

Est-ce qu'il est un dur ?

Question form.

They are badass fighters.

Ce sont des combattants redoutables.

Plural adjective.

Wow, that was badass!

Waouh, c'était génial !

Exclamatory usage.

The movie has a badass main character.

Le film a un personnage principal très dur et cool.

Adjective modifying 'character'.

She played a badass guitar solo.

Elle a joué un solo de guitare d'enfer.

Adjective describing a performance.

He thinks he's a badass because he has a motorcycle.

Il se prend pour un dur parce qu'il a une moto.

Noun form in a 'thinks he's' construction.

That was a badass move on the field.

C'était une action de génie sur le terrain.

Adjective describing an action.

I want to be a badass like her.

Je veux être une dure à cuire comme elle.

Noun form with a comparison.

The dog looks like a badass with that collar.

Le chien a l'air d'un dur avec ce collier.

Linking verb 'looks like'.

She is the most badass person I know.

C'est la personne la plus cool et la plus forte que je connaisse.

Superlative form with 'most'.

He did a badass job fixing the car.

Il a fait un travail d'enfer pour réparer la voiture.

Adjective modifying 'job'.

The detective in the show is a real badass who never gives up.

Le détective dans la série est un vrai dur qui n'abandonne jamais.

Noun with a relative clause.

I love her badass attitude towards challenges.

J'adore son attitude de dure face aux défis.

Adjective modifying an abstract noun 'attitude'.

He made a badass entrance at the party.

Il a fait une entrée fracassante à la fête.

Adjective modifying 'entrance'.

The soundtrack is full of badass rock songs.

La bande-son est pleine de chansons rock d'enfer.

Adjective in a plural phrase.

She's a badass in the kitchen; she can cook anything.

C'est une chef redoutable ; elle peut tout cuisiner.

Metaphorical use in a specific domain.

That leather jacket gives him a badass look.

Cette veste en cuir lui donne un look de dur.

Adjective modifying 'look'.

He's not just strong; he's a total badass.

Il n'est pas seulement fort ; c'est un vrai dur à cuire.

Contrastive use for emphasis.

The ending of the game was so badass.

La fin du jeu était tellement géniale et impressionnante.

Predicate adjective with 'so'.

The CEO's badass decision to pivot the company saved it from bankruptcy.

La décision audacieuse et percutante du PDG a sauvé l'entreprise.

Adjective describing a strategic action.

She has this badass confidence that intimidates her competitors.

Elle a cette confiance redoutable qui intimide ses concurrents.

Adjective modifying 'confidence'.

He’s a badass developer who can solve any bug in minutes.

C'est un développeur de génie qui peut résoudre n'importe quel bug en quelques minutes.

Professional slang usage.

The documentary features some of the most badass women in history.

Le documentaire présente certaines des femmes les plus fortes et impressionnantes de l'histoire.

Superlative adjective.

It was a badass move to quit his job and start his own business.

C'était un geste audacieux de quitter son emploi pour lancer sa propre entreprise.

Adjective describing a life choice.

The special effects in that movie were absolutely badass.

Les effets spéciaux dans ce film étaient absolument incroyables.

Adverb 'absolutely' modifying the adjective.

He cultivated a badass persona to hide his insecurities.

Il s'est forgé un personnage de dur pour cacher ses insécurités.

Adjective modifying 'persona'.

The team pulled off a badass victory against the champions.

L'équipe a remporté une victoire éclatante contre les champions.

Adjective modifying 'victory'.

The protagonist's badassery is established in the very first scene.

Le caractère redoutable du protagoniste est établi dès la toute première scène.

Noun 'badassery'.

Her badass reputation preceded her, making the negotiations much easier.

Sa réputation de dure à cuire la précédait, facilitant grandement les négociations.

Adjective in a complex sentence.

He managed to maintain a badass exterior despite the overwhelming pressure.

Il a réussi à maintenir une façade de dur malgré la pression écrasante.

Adjective modifying 'exterior'.

The film subverts the typical badass trope by showing the character's vulnerability.

Le film détourne le cliché habituel du dur à cuire en montrant la vulnérabilité du personnage.

Used to describe a literary/cinematic trope.

She delivered a badass speech that left the audience in awe.

Elle a prononcé un discours percutant qui a laissé l'auditoire bouche bée.

Adjective modifying 'speech'.

His transition from a quiet clerk to a corporate badass was remarkable.

Sa transition d'un simple employé de bureau à un requin des affaires était remarquable.

Noun used to describe a professional transformation.

The architecture of the building has a certain badass minimalism to it.

L'architecture du bâtiment possède un certain minimalisme percutant.

Adjective modifying another noun 'minimalism'.

They pulled off the heist with badass precision.

Ils ont réussi le casse avec une précision redoutable.

Adjective modifying 'precision'.

The sociolinguistic evolution of 'badass' reflects a cultural shift toward admiring the anti-hero.

L'évolution sociolinguistique de 'badass' reflète un changement culturel vers l'admiration de l'anti-héros.

Subject of a linguistic analysis.

One might argue that the term 'badass' has become somewhat diluted through commercial overexposure.

On pourrait soutenir que le terme 'badass' s'est quelque peu affaibli à cause d'une surexposition commerciale.

Discussing the word's semantic saturation.

Her performance was a masterclass in understated badassery.

Sa performance était une leçon magistrale de force tranquille et redoutable.

Noun 'badassery' with an adjective 'understated'.

He navigated the political minefield with a badass nonchalance that left his rivals bewildered.

Il a navigué dans le champ de mines politique avec une nonchalance de dur qui a laissé ses rivaux perplexes.

Adjective modifying 'nonchalance'.

The novel's protagonist is the quintessential badass, operating outside the law to achieve justice.

Le protagoniste du roman est le dur à cuire par excellence, opérant en dehors de la loi pour rendre justice.

Noun with the adjective 'quintessential'.

The sheer badassery of the engineering feat cannot be overstated.

Le caractère absolument redoutable de cet exploit d'ingénierie ne peut être surestimé.

Noun 'badassery' as the subject.

She reclaimed the term, turning a potential insult into a badass badge of honor.

Elle s'est réapproprié le terme, transformant une insulte potentielle en un insigne d'honneur redoutable.

Adjective modifying 'badge of honor'.

The intersection of vulnerability and badassery is what makes the character so compelling.

L'intersection entre la vulnérabilité et la force redoutable est ce qui rend le personnage si captivant.

Abstract noun usage.

常见搭配

total badass

badass attitude

badass move

look badass

badass hero

badass skills

complete badass

badass reputation

badass car

badassery level

常用短语

like a badass

badass of the year

certified badass

badass vibes

born badass

badass in training

low-key badass

badass move, bro

the ultimate badass

badass mode

容易混淆的词

badass vs bad person

A badass is impressive and tough, not necessarily morally 'bad'.

badass vs jerk

A jerk is mean without being impressive; a badass is impressive.

badass vs asshole

An asshole is rude and disliked; a badass is respected for their skill.

习语与表达

"kick some ass"

To perform very well or to defeat someone decisively.

Go out there and kick some ass in the game!

slang

"hard as nails"

Extremely tough and uncompromising.

The new sergeant is hard as nails.

informal

"tough as old boots"

Very strong and able to bear pain or criticism.

My grandmother is tough as old boots.

informal

"take no prisoners"

To be very determined and ruthless in achieving an objective.

In business, she takes no prisoners.

neutral

"mean business"

To be serious and determined about what you are doing.

When he put on his suit, we knew he meant business.

neutral

"force of nature"

A person with a very strong and irrepressible personality.

She is a force of nature in the courtroom.

neutral

"built like a tank"

Having a very strong and sturdy physical build.

The linebacker is built like a tank.

informal

"don't mess with"

A warning that someone is tough and shouldn't be provoked.

Don't mess with her when she's angry.

informal

"cool as a cucumber"

Very calm and composed, especially under pressure.

He stayed cool as a cucumber during the interview.

neutral

"steel nerves"

The ability to remain calm in dangerous or difficult situations.

You need steel nerves to be a bomb disposal expert.

neutral

容易混淆

badass vs formidable

Both mean tough and impressive.

Formidable is formal; badass is informal and 'cool'.

The mountain is formidable. The climber is a badass.

badass vs tough

Both imply strength.

Tough is about endurance; badass adds a layer of style and skill.

The meat is tough. The hero is a badass.

badass vs cool

Both are positive slang.

Cool is general; badass specifically implies toughness and formidable skill.

That's a cool hat. That's a badass scar.

badass vs mean

Original meaning of badass was 'mean'.

Mean is now purely negative; badass is now mostly positive.

He was mean to me. He is a badass fighter.

badass vs hard

In UK slang, 'hard' means tough.

Badass is more American; 'hard' can sometimes imply looking for a fight.

He's a hard man. He's a badass leader.

句型

He is a [badass] [noun].

He is a badass hero.

That [noun] is [badass]!

That car is badass!

She is a total [badass] at [verb-ing].

She is a total badass at skating.

It was a [badass] move to [verb].

It was a badass move to quit.

His [noun] is a testament to his [badassery].

His success is a testament to his badassery.

The [noun] was characterized by an understated [badassery].

The performance was characterized by an understated badassery.

He looks [badass] in that [clothing].

He looks badass in that jacket.

They pulled off a [badass] [noun].

They pulled off a badass victory.

词族

名词

形容词

如何使用

frequency

High in casual speech and media.

常见错误

Using it in a formal email. → Using 'impressive' or 'formidable'.
It is too informal and contains a mild profanity, which is unprofessional.
Stressing the second syllable. → Stressing the first syllable: **BAD**-ass.
Stressing 'ass' can make it sound like you are calling someone an 'ass' (an insult).
Using it for something mediocre. → Using 'good' or 'nice'.
The word is for truly impressive things; using it for small things makes it lose its power.
Thinking it means 'a bad person'. → Understanding it as 'a tough/cool person'.
In this context, 'bad' is used in its slang sense of 'formidable' or 'excellent'.
Using 'badassly' as an adverb. → Using 'in a badass way'.
'Badassly' is not a standard English word and sounds awkward to native speakers.

小贴士

Check the Room

Before using 'badass', listen to how others are speaking. If they are using slang, you are probably safe. If they are being very formal, avoid it.

Noun or Adjective?

Remember it works as both. 'He is a badass' (noun) and 'That's a badass move' (adjective) are both perfectly correct.

Stress the 'Bad'

Make sure to emphasize the first part of the word. **BAD**-ass. This makes it sound like a compliment rather than an insult.

Use 'Badassery'

To sound more like a native speaker, use the noun 'badassery' to describe someone's impressive actions or qualities.

Pop Culture

Pay attention to how characters in action movies are described. This will give you a great feel for the 'vibe' of the word.

Complimenting Friends

It's a great word for cheering on a friend who just did something brave or difficult. It shows you respect their strength.

Creative Writing

In a story, calling a character a badass is a 'shortcut' to tell the reader they are tough and shouldn't be messed with.

Tone Matters

Listen for the tone of voice. A respectful tone makes it a compliment; a sarcastic tone makes it a joke.

Global Slang

Even if you are not in the US, most young English speakers worldwide will understand this word thanks to Hollywood.

The 'Ass' Factor

Never forget that the word contains a mild profanity. When in doubt, use 'awesome' or 'impressive' instead.

记住它

记忆技巧

Think of a 'BAD' person who is so 'FAST' and 'SMART' (ASS) that you can't help but admire them. BAD + ASS = Impressively tough.

视觉联想

Imagine a person walking away from a massive explosion without looking back, wearing sunglasses and a leather jacket. That is the visual definition of a badass.

Word Web

tough cool skilled independent brave formidable rebel competent

挑战

Try to describe three people from history who you think are badasses. Explain why using the adjective and the noun form.

词源

The term 'badass' originated in American English in the mid-20th century, likely in the 1950s. It is a compound word combining 'bad' and 'ass'. Initially, it was used to describe someone who was genuinely mean, difficult, or unpleasant to deal with.

原始含义： A mean-spirited, difficult, or belligerent person.

Germanic (English compound)

文化背景

Contains 'ass', so avoid in religious, very formal, or conservative settings.

Very common in the US, UK, Australia, and Canada. It is a 'cool' word that bridges generations.

John Wick (movie character) Ellen Ripley in 'Aliens' The book 'You Are a Badass' by Jen Sincero

在生活中练习

真实语境

Sports

badass save
badass play
he's a beast
tough as nails

Work/Tech

badass coder
badass move
crushed it
boss level

Movies/Art

badass character
badass riff
formidable lead
gritty reboot

Personal Growth

inner badass
badass confidence
owning it
unshakeable

Fashion

badass look
badass boots
edgy style
rocking it

对话开场白

"Who is the most badass person you have ever met in real life?"

"Which movie character do you think is the ultimate badass?"

"What is the most badass thing you have ever done or seen someone do?"

"Do you think it's possible to be a 'low-key' badass without being loud?"

"Is being called a 'badass' a compliment in your home country?"

日记主题

Describe a time when you had to be a badass to overcome a difficult situation.

Write about a woman in history who you believe was a total badass.

How does the concept of a 'badass' differ from just being 'strong'?

In what area of your life would you like to develop more 'badassery'?

Reflect on why society admires people who are uncompromising and tough.

常见问题

10 个问题

It contains 'ass', which is a mild profanity. While not a 'heavy' swear word, it is informal and can be offensive to some people in formal or conservative settings. Use it with caution.

Yes, absolutely! It is very common to use 'badass' for women who are strong, independent, and skilled. The 'female badass' is a popular trope in modern media.

'Badass' is the person or the description (noun/adjective), while 'badassery' is the abstract noun referring to the quality or the act of being a badass. For example, 'He is a badass' vs 'His badassery is legendary'.

Yes, it is widely understood and used in the UK, though it is recognized as having American origins. British speakers might also use 'hard' or 'legend' in similar contexts.

Don't! Instead, use words like 'formidable,' 'highly competent,' 'determined,' 'resilient,' or 'proactive.' These convey the same strength without the informal slang.

Yes, it is often used for things that look powerful or impressive, like cars, guitars, weapons, or even a piece of software code.

It refers to someone who is very impressive or tough but doesn't draw attention to themselves. They are 'quietly' formidable.

In 99% of modern cases, yes. However, if said with a sarcastic tone, it could be used to mock someone who is trying too hard to look tough.

A 'wimp,' 'pushover,' or 'coward' would be the opposite in terms of toughness and courage.

It acknowledges their strength, skill, and independence. It suggests they are a person of high value who can handle difficult situations.