What Does "Based" Mean? Internet Slang, Explained

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How to use the TikTok term "based" like a pro
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TikTok jargon moves at a mile a minute, and recently one word, in particular, has found its way into the online lexicon: "based." What is it? Is it a good thing? An insult? Based? Based on what? We’re here to make the latest internet lingo clear! We’ll fill you in on the definition, origin and spread, and usage of the slang term “based.” Then, we’ll explain some related terms to round out your online vocabulary.

Things You Should Know

  • “Based” describes someone who acts or lives true to themselves with little concern for how other people see them.
  • “Based” is also used to express approval or agreement with someone else’s words or actions.
  • The slang word was coined by the rapper Lil B when he decided to tweak the term “basehead” (a crack cocaine user, or someone acting strange) into a badge of honor.
Section 1 of 4:

“Based” Meaning

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    Someone who’s “based” might also be described as a maverick or an individualist. They live their lives on their own terms, without regard for the judgment or negative opinions of others. [1] The term especially applies when that person’s views or lifestyle is controversial.
    • “The way you do your own thing is pretty based.”
    • “You see that guy rollerblading to work in an Elvis costume? He’s so based.”
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    Often, people say “based” on social media like TikTok as a quick and snappy endorsement of someone else’s statements or behavior, especially when they might be seen as radical. Similarly, it might simply mean “cool” or “good.” [2] Sometimes, however, the term is used ironically to express ridicule at someone’s words or behavior.
    • Person 1: “I just don’t think you can live a full life while working 40 hours a week.”
    • Person 2: “Based.”
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    Right-wing social media users sometimes use the term to describe a statement or action that they believe is in opposition to left-wing politics. [3] Alternatively, it’s sometimes used in political contexts to mean “based in fact,” in reference to an assertion or claim, though this is a misinterpretation of the original meaning.
    • “I watch Fox News for their based coverage of the election.”
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Section 2 of 4:

Origin and Spread of “Based”

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    In an interview with Complex , Lil B (whose given name is Brandon Christopher McCartney) explained that he chose to wear the term “basehead” as a badge of honor. “Based means being yourself,” he said. "Not being scared of what people think about you. Not being afraid to do what you wanna do. Being positive.” [4]
    • Shortly after, Lil B was dubbed “Based God” by his fans (particularly those on 4chan), both as a genuine term of admiration, and partially as a good-natured jab at his statements in the interview.
    • Lil B’s lyrics often include the word “based,” and it’s become something of a brand for him. He often tours college campuses as a motivational speaker.
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    During 2014’s Gamergate, a complex scandal that involved intense harassment toward women and marginalized workers in the video game industry, the term “based” took on a right-wing connotation. One right-wing commentator argued against claims that the video game industry and culture were sexist, and audiences aligned with her began to call her “Based Mom” for her contrarian views, a spin on “Based God.” [5]
    • Right-wing usage of the term then found its way to politics as a whole, and the term was applied to other right-wing commentators and politicians, such as Donald Trump, as praise for their cavalier attitudes.
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    “Basehead” refers to someone addicted to crack cocaine. It was a popular, derogatory term in the 1980s, at the height of the crack cocaine epidemic. [6] The term “basehead” itself comes from the act of “freebasing” cocaine, or using the drug in its original, base form. [7]
    • “Basehead” was also used figuratively to describe someone acting eccentric or strange.
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Section 3 of 4:

Using “Based”

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    Do you know someone who marches to the beat of their own drum? Doesn’t care about what other people think of them? Wears zany clothing? Spits hot takes on TikTok or Twitter? Has…alternative political opinions? Tell them they’re based to show your appreciation for their odd-one-out ethos. [8]
    • Them: “This afternoon I’m gonna do some public interpretive dance for the gorillas at the zoo.”
    • You: “Dude, you're the most based person I know.”
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    More generally, throw out a quick “based” to let someone know that you approve of or agree with their opinions. [9] This usage is especially common when discussing political matters or controversial subjects on TikTok or other social media.
    • Them: “I just think that if you need something to survive you shouldn’t have to pay for it.”
    • You: “Based.”
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    Often, internet users say “based” as a tongue-in-cheek response to opinions or behavior they feel is laughable or not to be taken seriously, especially in political contexts. When used in this context, the term means essentially the opposite of its general connotation of approval. [10]
    • Them: “We should charge money to vote.”
    • You: “Yeah, sure, because that’d go so well. Based.”
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Section 4 of 4:

Terms Related to “Based”

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    Something that’s “cringe” is deeply uncool or even worthy of ridicule. [11] It’s the polar opposite of “based,” and is used to express disapproval toward someone’s words or actions.
    • Person 1: “Her wardrobe is so cringe.”
    • Person 2: “Nah, laughing at what someone else wears is cringe.”
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    A reference to the film The Matrix , to be redpilled is to have become aware of the reality of a situation, often counter to popular beliefs. This term has common usage in conspiracy theory circles, and is often used in tandem with “based” to express approval of an unpopular or inflammatory opinion. [12] It may also be used ironically to express ridicule, or meta-ironically to express approval while also acknowledging the radical nature of a statement.
    • Person 1: “They don’t want you to know that social media is changing our brain chemistry.”
    • Person 2: “Sounds like you’ve been redpilled.”
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    “Mid” is short for “middling,” and is used to describe something that’s painfully average. It’s not outstanding, it’s not terrible. Just mid. [13] It might also describe people whose views or behavior is underwhelming, or not based.
    • Person 1: “How’s your pizza?”
    • Person 2: “Pretty mid, but it gets the job done.”
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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.distractify.com/p/what-does-based-mean
      2. ↑ https://www.fastcompany.com/90848775/a-guide-to-gen-z-slang
      3. ↑ https://knowyourmeme.com/memes/based
      4. ↑ https://www.distractify.com/p/what-does-based-mean
      5. ↑ https://stayhipp.com/glossary/what-does-based-mean/
      6. ↑ https://stayhipp.com/glossary/what-does-based-mean/
      7. ↑ https://americanaddictioncenters.org/cocaine-treatment/freebasing
      8. ↑ https://knowyourmeme.com/memes/based
      9. ↑ https://www.fastcompany.com/90848775/a-guide-to-gen-z-slang
      1. ↑ https://www.fastcompany.com/90848775/a-guide-to-gen-z-slang
      2. ↑ https://theswaddle.com/a-cultural-history-of-cringe-and-how-the-internet-made-everything-awkward/
      3. ↑ https://knowyourmeme.com/memes/red-pill
      4. ↑ https://www.fastcompany.com/90848775/a-guide-to-gen-z-slang

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