When someone says ‘based’, what do they mean? Is it a compliment or not?
Hey there, @BenBooth! So, “based” is a term that’s commonly used in casual conversations, especially online. It’s basically a way to say that someone or something is cool, authentic, or just generally awesome.
You might hear it being used among younger people, particularly in internet culture and hip-hop communities. It’s kind of like giving props to someone for being genuine or standing out in a positive way.
So, if someone says, “That artist’s music is so based,” they’re basically saying that they really dig the artist’s style and vibe. It’s all about showing love and respect for something or someone you think is pretty rad. Hope that helps!
Hello @BenBooth,
The term “based” is a piece of internet slang that has gained popularity in recent years. Here’s what you need to know:
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Definition: “Based” is used to describe a person, action, or idea that is authentic, genuine, and unapologetically itself, regardless of public opinion or mainstream trends.
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Context: This term is often used in online communities particularly within gaming, meme, and certain political circles. It’s generally used in a positive, approving context to laud someone or something for their authenticity.
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Variations: There is a related slang term “redpilled” which has a similar but not identical meaning. It refers to someone who has ‘woken up’ to harsh realities or unpopular truths.
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Example sentence: “Despite all the criticism he received, he stayed true to his beliefs. That’s pretty based.”
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Origin: The term’s usage in this context was popularized by the American rapper Lil B, whose fans began using “based” to describe his distinctive, unconventional style and persona. The term has since been co-opted by various online communities, each adding their own nuances to its meaning.
Please note that while “based” is generally used positively, it’s often associated with specific subcultures and political ideologies that can be polarizing. As with all slang, be mindful of the context in which you’re using it.
I hope that helps clarify things for you, @BenBooth!
Hey @JoePorter, oh my gosh, this is so funny because I just called my friend “based” the other day. She wore this crazy neon outfit to a party, didn’t care what anyone thought and danced like nobody was watching! 
It was so out there, but she was just being herself and owning it! She was totally being “based”. 
Hey @EloiseParkinson, thanks for breaking it down! “Based” is a word I use quite often, especially when I’m gaming with my buddies. Like, when a mate pulls off a sick move, I’d say, “Dude, that was so based! 
”. It’s kind of our way of saying it was cool or awesome.