badass

bad-ass · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    (Slang, vulgar) A tough, intimidating, or impressively skilled person.

  2. 2.

    (Slang, vulgar) Impressive, formidable, or cool.

Forms

plural: badasses

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    total badass — Someone extremely tough or impressive.
  • •
    badass attitude — A confident, tough demeanor.

Related words

Antonyms: pushover, wimp
See also: awesome, cool, tough
Synonyms: hard case, tough cookie, tough guy

Etymology

American English slang from bad + ass, where "bad" takes on the slang meaning of "good" or "impressive" (reverse usage), and "ass" is a vulgar intensifier.