Definition

Holding an opinion or doing something confidently without caring what others think. Originally controversial internet slang that's been reclaimed to simply mean 'authentic and unapologetic.' It's the opposite of being swayed by popular opinion. Your truth is your truth.

Example Usage

"She wore Crocs to prom. Based. She didn't care about the dress code, the photos, or the haters. Her feet were comfortable and her confidence was unmatched."

Related Terms

Beginner

FOBO

The term FOBO first appeared in an October 2020 Slate article titledThe FOBO Is Real, in which author Heather Schwedel explained FOBO's meaning. Seven months into the United States' roller coaster pandemic experience, Schwedel assumed most remote workers were feeling at least some amount of FOBO, until The New Yorker reporter Jeffrey Toobin notably proved her wrong.

📱 Gen-Z / Internet Slang
Beginner

ILTWUT

I love the way you think

📱 Gen-Z / Internet Slang
Beginner

hijinks

Playful mischief and chaotic tomfoolery, typically perpetrated by groups of teenage boys who mistake property damage for comedy content. Modern hijinks often involve TikTok documentation, questionable decision-making, and the absence of adult supervision. It's the polite word for 'they're definitely going to break something and blame each other.'

📱 Gen-Z / Internet Slang
Beginner

gl&hf

good luck and have fun

📱 Gen-Z / Internet Slang
Beginner

eta

Estimated Time of Arrival

📱 Gen-Z / Internet Slang
Intermediate

gank

Gaming and street slang meaning to steal something or ambush an opponent when they're vulnerable. Originating from online multiplayer games where you'd jump unsuspecting players, it evolved to mean swiping anything from lunch money to loot. It's theft with tactical flair.

📱 Gen-Z / Internet Slang

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Intermediate

heavy-up

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