Based – Meaning, Origin & Usage

The word “based” can have two different meanings, one you probably already know and two you might not. That’s why we put this article together…

In this article we will be covering all the meanings of the word “based” including the original one, a lesser known one, and its most recent one from Gen Z slang. We will be following that up with a brief guide to how the slang word originated and became popularised among Gen Z.

Then we will explain how you can use the slang word in different contexts, complete with a few handy examples. Next we will be covering alternative and synonymous words and phrases that should help with perspective. Finally, we will be rounding up with a quick run through of the use of the slang word “based” online and in the media.

And without further ado, let’s get straight to it!

The various meanings of the word “based”

Standard meaning of the word “based”

The word “based” is the past tense form of the word “base” which is defined as: the foundation or starting point for something. For example, you can say that the TV series Good Omens is based on a book by Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett.

Derogatory meaning of the word “based”

Today, the word “based” may be seen by some as an insult, because it can also mean “uncaring, courageous, or bold”. You can use this term may be used against someone if they appear to ignore the general public feeling about something. For example, someone who thinks that knocking down the house of Fred and Rose West is a waste of money might be described as “based”, especially when speaking with neighbours of the crime scene.

Gen Z’s meaning of the word “based”

Generation Z took the derogatory meaning of the slang word “based” and expanded it. Now it is not always a derogatory comment. Gen Z often uses the term approvingly, for example when an opinion may fall foul with some, but is at the same time bold and commendable, Gen Z may respond with “Based”.

The origin and popularisation of “based” as a slang word

As mentioned earlier, the slang word “based” was previously used as a derogatory term. This was in the 1980s and 1990s, and it came from the African American Vernacular English (AAVE).

However, the California rapper Lil B, who also has the alias “The BasedGod” reclaimed and redefined the slang word. Here’s a direct quote:

“Based means being yourself. Not being scared of what people think about you. Not being afraid to do what you wanna do. Being positive. When I was younger, “based” was a negative term that meant like dopehead, or basehead. People used to make fun of me. They was like, “You’re based.” They’d use it as a negative. And what I did was turn that negative into a positive. I started embracing it like, “Yeah, I’m based.” I made it mine. I embedded it in my head. “Based” is positive.”

—Lil B, quoted in Complex, 9 Jun. 2010

Lil B’s followers became known as “based disciples,” and the term spread through music videos, interviews, and social media. Then, around 2015, “based” was increasingly adopted on forums such as 4chan, Reddit, and Twitter (now known as X), but was often taken up ironically in these online circles.

With such a wide opportunity for meaning making, it really made political discourse something of a headscratch. One day right wing figures would use it for describing the resistance of woke culture, and another day you might get leftist reclamation using it for praising Bernie Sanders in debates.

This makes the slang word particularly ambiguous, since it can be used to express earnest praise, sarcastic approval, or edgy, ironic support.

How you can use the slang word “based” featuring examples

Here follows a few examples of the word “based” being used in different contexts, and what they might mean:

“Based on what?” (Response)

→ Used humorously or sarcastically when someone tries to sound authoritative

“So based it’s cringe”

→ Ironic usage to indicate the approval of something absurdly earnest

“Based and redpilled”

→ Alignment with dissident, reactionary, or anti-establishment views.

“Based AF”

→ Intensification; “AF” = as f***. (= really based)

“Based guy”

→ Used to label unexpectedly assertive or cool actions.

Not gonna lie, this meme is so based!
My boyfriend is so based, he cut my hair.

Similar and synonymous words and phrases

Not everyone knows their Gen Z slang, so you may prefer to use alternative or synonymous words and phrases in place of the word “based”. As to which one to use this would depend on which of the meanings you want to convey. Here are some examples:

That’s bold
I approve
I agree
Strong words
Bold but true
My point exactly
I see your point
That’s a controversial view
Talk about defying political correctness
That’s certainly provocative but quite true
I see your not concerned about social approval

Final word

So, to summarise, there are three meanings of the word “based”, one you already know, and two newer versions. First, there was one which was used as an insult to describe someone whose view is “uncaring, courageous, or bold”. However, the usage of the slang word soon evolved to convey the approval of someone’s views even if the opinion may fall foul with some, but is at the same time bold and commendable. The slang word is derived from hip hop culture.

At one time, the newer Gen Z version of the was considered to convey far right political sentiment. However, hot on the heels of its use by the alt right and far right, the slang word started to be used ironically, and was thus reclaimed to an extent by leftists and centrists, for example when describing class-consciousness. Which now means that is basically one of the most ambiguous slang words out there, so you might struggle to work out what someone means when they use it, especially of you don’t already know them.