History Main / Badass

[[quoteright:310:[[ComicBook/NickFury https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/NickFuryBadass_1905.jpg]]]]

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See also MarySue, another fandom term that sees varied usage.

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'''Hal 'Otacon' Emmerich:''' [[NoJustNoReaction "Don't."]] He swore there's no way in hell a single infantryman could take down a tank by himself.\\

'''Hal 'Otacon' Emmerich:''' Yes! [[WorldsBestWarrior You're the toughest, craziest, most hardcore badass on the planet!]] You're... ''[[SugarWiki/FunnyMoments THE SHIT]]''!

->'''Hal 'Otacon' Emmerich:''' You know, I asked an active-duty Army officer once: If an infantryman had to take on a tank one-on-one, how should he do it?
->'''Solid Snake:''' And what was his answer?
->'''Hal 'Otacon' Emmerich:''' [[NoJustNoReaction "Don't."]] He swore there's no way in hell a single infantryman could take down a tank by himself.
->'''Solid Snake:''' Interesting.
->'''Hal 'Otacon' Emmerich:''' I always suspected there was a little something crazy about you, Snake. But after hearing that story... Now I know it. You're nuts! Single-handedly taking out a tank? That's crazy! You're insane!
->'''Solid Snake:''' Otacon, is this your idea of a compliment?
->'''Hal 'Otacon' Emmerich:''' Yes! [[WorldsBestWarrior You're the toughest, craziest, most hardcore badass on the planet!]] You're... ''[[SugarWiki/FunnyMoments THE SHIT]]''!

->'''Hal 'Otacon' Emmerich:''' Hey Snake, something I've been meaning to ask you. [[NostalgiaLevel That canyon...]] [[CallBack Isn't that where]] [[VideoGame/MetalGearSolid you demolished Raven's tank]]? How'd you do it, anyway?
->'''Solid Snake:''' How? Well... Grenades.
->'''Hal 'Otacon' Emmerich:''' That's it? You didn't use an anti-tank missile or something?
->'''Solid Snake:''' [[WithThisHerring Didn't have one.]]
->'''Hal 'Otacon' Emmerich:''' Your technique is kind of... how do I put this... archaic when it comes to fighting tanks. Honestly, I don't think it'd work on today's main battle tanks.
->'''Solid Snake:''' Well, that's how I did it. What do you want me to say?

Badass is a term associated with people who possess great prowess in physical fighting, {{bravery| tropes}}, [[MadeOfIron durability]], or mere [[SugarWiki/MomentOfAwesome coolness]]. The term is primarily used to describe either a type of character with these attributes or describe the kind of actions that a character performs.

!![[center:This is a FanSpeak definition. Please put examples in, and link to, the pages on the ListOfBadassTropes.]]

Badass is a term associated with people who possess great prowess in physical fighting, [[TheDeterminator bravery]], [[MadeOfIron durability]], or mere [[SugarWiki/MomentOfAwesome coolness]]. The term is primarily used to describe either a type of character with these attributes or describe the kind of actions that a character performs.

Badass is a term associated with characters who possess great prowess in physical fighting, [[TheDeterminator bravery]], [[MadeOfIron durability]], or mere [[SugarWiki/MomentOfAwesome coolness]]. The term is primarily used to describe either a type of character with these attributes or describe the kind of actions that a character performs.

Badass is a term associated with prowess in physical fighting, [[MadeOfIron durability]] or mere [[SugarWiki/MomentOfAwesome coolness]]. The term is primarily used to describe either a type of character with these attributes or describe the kind of actions that a character performs.

However, exactly what a badass person or action is can differ wildly depending on context or the people using the term. This is shown in how it can be used as a noun or an adjective. While there is no precise definition, there is a broad consensus on actions or people who could often be called badass. A list of such properties is on the Analysis page.

!![[center:This is a FanSpeak definition. Please put examples in and links to the pages listed on Sandbox/BadassTropeList.]]

However, exactly what a badass person or action is can differ wildly depending on context or the people using the term. This is shown in how it can be used as a noun or an adjective. While there is no precise definition, there is a broad consensus on actions or people who could often be called badass. A list of such properties is in Analysis/{{Badass}}.

However, exactly what a badass person or action is can differ wildly depending on context or the people using the term. This is shown in how it can be used as a noun or an adjective. While there is no precise definition, there is a broad consensus on actions or people who could often be called badass. A list of such properties is in Analysis.{{Badass}}.

However, exactly what a badass person or action is can differ wildly depending on context or the people using the term. This is shown in how it can be used as a noun or an adjective. TV Tropes does not make an attempt to limit what Badass means, only trying to define how it is used. While there is no precise definition, there is a broad consensus on actions or people who could often be called badass. A list of such properties is in Analysis.{{Badass}}.

However, exactly what a badass person or action is can differ wildly depending on context or the people using the term. This is shown in how it can be used as a noun or an adjective. TV Tropes does not make an attempt to limit what Badass means, only trying to define how it is used. While there is no precise definition, there is a broad consensus on actions or people who could often be called badass. It is lumped very loosely together by words like ability, bravery, appearance and attitude with some emphasizing one trait and others another.

"Badass" is a FanSpeak term that can mean many different things. For a list of what it might mean, [[Analysis/{{Badass}} see the Analysis subpage]].

'''''Do not add examples to this page or elsewhere on the wiki'''''. Instead, we'll refer you to [[Sandbox/BadassTropeList this list of tropes]] that might contain the one you're looking for. All {{wick}}s to this page should be changed to point to whichever particular trope they refer to, if any.

"Badass" is a fanspeak term that can mean many different things. For a list of what it might mean, [[Analysis/{{Badass}} see the Analysis subpage]].

'''''Do not add examples to this page or elsewhere on the wiki'''''. Instead, we'll refer you to [[BadassTropeList this list of tropes]] that might contain the one you're looking for. All {{wick}}s to this page should be changed to point to whichever particular trope they refer to, if any.

{{Badass}} itself is not a trope, but the items below are. This list is to help with the disambiguation effort.

[[index]]
!!Sub-Tropes:

[floatboxright:
Categories:
+ BadassInCharge
+ DidYouJustIndexCthulhu
+ HarbingerOfAsskicking
+ HiddenBadass
+ SubmissiveBadass
]

[[AC:Singular:]]
* TheAce: Being good at something hard makes you a Badass. Being the best? That's even more Badass.
* ActionDad: Dad kicks ass.
* ActionFashionista: The hero who has [[SharpDressedMan class out the ass]], while kicking ass.
* ActionGirl: She kicks ass.
** ActionGirlfriend: When she's your girlfriend.
*** ViolentlyProtectiveGirlfriend: You hurt her lover. Nice knowing you, pal.
** ActionMom: Mom kicks ass.
*** PregnantBadass: She's carrying a child. Don't think she can't terminate your ability to create them.
* ActionHero: He kicks ass.
* ActionPet: Your pet kicks ass.
* ActionSurvivor: An everyday guy with no ActionHero qualities who is actually forced to be a badass.
* AdaptationalBadass: Maybe they weren't so badass in the manga or the TV show, but they really started cracking skulls in the anime and movies.
* {{Ambadassador}}: They represent their hometown or home country and they plan to export a beating to those who mess with them.
* AgentPeacock: RuleOfGlamorous meets RuleOfCool in a effeminate guy who kicks butt.
* AlmightyJanitor: He may have the lowest rank, but he can kick more ass than his superiors.
* AsskickingPose: ExactlyWhatItSaysOnTheTin.
** BadassArmFold: A particularly badass pose.
* AsskickingEqualsAuthority: Kick enough asses and you're fit to rule.
** AuthorityEqualsAsskicking: There's a damn good reason they govern in the first place and you wouldn't want to learn it the hard way.
* AwesomeAussie: The coolest thing to come from down under.
* BadassAdorable: This character's cute, but don't think that means they need to be protected. They could probably leave you lying in a pool of your own blood.
** CuteBruiser: Little kids with big strength.
** KillerRabbit: Small, cute, animals that are dangerous as all hell.
* BadassAndBaby: They kick ass. Doesn't mean they can't go into battle and take care of an infant at the same time.
* BadassAndChildDuo: Badass has a child following him around. Woe betide anyone who tries to target that kid.
* BadassBack: When someone is so badass, they drop a foe without even turning around.
** OffhandBackhand: Bonus points if they didn't even notice you were there.
* BadassBandolier: A utilitarian accessory worn so a badass can keep their tools of the trade handy.
* BadassBaritone: Nothing says intimidating like a deep voice.
* BadassBeard: Their facial hair is shorthand for "Don't mess with me."
* BadassBiker: Nothing says badass better than a CoolBike.
** BikerBabe: DistaffCounterpart.
* BadassBoast: A badass talks high about how badass they are.
** BondOneLiner: A badass quip after you killed a foe.
** MyNameIsInigoMontoya: Isn't it nice for a badass to introduce themselves before they kick your ass?
** PreAsskickingOneLiner: Every good badass needs a cool line about how dead you're gonna be after they're done.
** PreMortemOneLiner: A badass quip when you're about to kill a foe.
* BadassBookworm: Reads the encyclopedia for fun and capable of using it to beat your face in.
** GeniusBruiser: Kicks ass, but is also intelligent.
** MinoredInAsskicking: A much more subdued version of the BadassBookworm who doesn't actively practice their badass status, but can be if need be.
* BadassBureaucrat: Master of paper shuffling and the dreaded red tape. Capable of screwing with your life in many ways.
* BadassBystander: They were minding their own business until you turned their world upside down. Now they're gonna make you regret that mistake.
* BadassCape: Long flowing capes are the traditional accessory of certain breeds of badasses.
** AllEncompassingMantle: BadassCape taken UpToEleven
** BlackCloak: A more sinister variety.
* BadassCreed: A philosophy that espouses badass as a central tenet.
* BadassDriver: Give them a vehicle and they'll do some hardcore stuff with it.
** CoolCar: The car is just as - if not more - badass as its driver.
*** WhatAPieceOfJunk: The car is badass, but you wouldn't know it at first glance.
** AcePilot: The airborne equivalent.
*** CoolPlane: It makes the AcePilot ''better''.
** CarFu
** WeaponizedCar and its subtropes
* BadassFingerSnap: A badass snaps his fingers and something cool happens.
* BadassGay: Just because they're gay doesn't mean that they're not a bonafide badass.
* BadassGrandpa: He might have grandchildren who see him as a teddy bear, but don't think he won't make you fear him if you cross him.
** NeverMessWithGranny: Genderflipped Badass Grandpa.
* BadassInANiceSuit: A badass needs nice clothes, don't you think?
* BadassIsraeli: [[ExactlyWhatItSaysOnTheTin An Israeli who's a badass]].
* BadassLongcoat: A great way to look is to wear an imposing overcoat.
** CoatCape: If you don't have a BadassCape ''or'' a BadassLongcoat, try the next best thing.
** TheCoatsAreOff: Sometimes you get even more badass when you take the coat off.
** BadassLongRobe: The wizard version of the Badass Longcoat.
** TrenchcoatWarfare: When your longcoat hides badass things to be unleashed at whoever messes with you.
* BadassMustache: Like BadassBeard, but above the lip.
* BadassNative: When the natives are restless and scrotum-crushingly badass.
* BadassNormal: The non-powered character in a group with superpowers, but who kicks just as much ass.
** EmpoweredBadassNormal: When said ordinary, already badass person gains superpowers.
* BadassPacifist: Does not kill, not even fight. But when the time comes, they selflessly sacrifice their lives to save others.
* BadassPreacher: He will minister to his flock and break you in half with his shepherd's crook if you think about hurting them.
** ChurchMilitant: A whole religion of {{BadassPreacher}}s. May have NaughtyNuns that involve themselves in combat and other clerical duties.
* BadassPrincess: She is not one to get kidnapped. Instead, she breaks kidnappers in half.
* BadassSanta: Santa kicks ass.
* BadassTeacher: Teaches students and brutally schools the fools who take them on.
* BadassTransplant: When someone becomes a badass via a prosthetic of some kind.
* BadassUnintentional: Didn't plan to be a badass.
* {{Badbutt}}: As badass as a kid-friendly show will allow.
* BaldOfAwesome: A lack of hair does not diminish the badasse at all.
* BarbarianLonghair: Nothing screams badass like a guy with long, unkempt hair.
* BearsAreBadNews: An angry bear can maul your face off. [[SchmuckBait Just see if he doesn't]].
* BeatThemAtTheirOwnGame: When a badass beats you with your own special move.
* TheBerserker: A wild and uninhibited form of badass warrior.
* BewareTheNiceOnes: They're the nicest people you'll ever meet. But if you piss them off, they won't hesitate to make you regret it.
* BewareTheQuietOnes: They don't talk much. However, they will kick your ass if you take that as a sign of weakness.
* BewareTheSillyOnes: They're always goofing off. However, push the wrong button and they will destroy you, no questions asked.
* BigBadassRig: A badass truck.
* BloodKnight: When the resident badass loves a good fight.
* BodyguardingABadass: A badass is so important and often so targeted that he needs others to bodyguard him. Often his elite bodyguards will be used a a precursor to show just how badass he is to build up the epic battle and while not often at powerful as the badass they are guarding, the bodyguards will often be badass enough to give the heroes a hard fight, or in some cases may even be on the same tier as the badass just not equal in power. Even when portrayed as EliteMooks, the are often portrayed as threatening enough to at least qualify for BadassCrew, if not being an outright BadassArmy.
* BoisterousBruiser: He's loud, but you should never question his skill in kicking ass.
* BornWinner: That automatically makes you a loser.
* BraveScot: Heroic Scottish Badass.
* BrawnHilda: Big, fat, burly women that will break your bones if you laugh at them.
* BroughtDownToBadass: Had superpowers, lost them, but even afterwards, they can still kick ass.
* BullyingADragon: People make fun of a badass. They occasionally live to regret that decision.
* CanisMajor: A dog, fox or wolf several times larger than normal, and capable of kicking several times more ass.
* TheCaptain: Who has the balls to run the coolest CoolShip? (or TheSquad)? This guy, of course.
* ChefOfIron: A chef who is also proficient in combat.
* ColonelBadass: Leads their troops in being badass by being one as well.
* CombatMedic: He/she might be a healer, but you'd be wrong if you think you can [[ShootTheMedicFirst take them down first]].
** DeadlyDoctor: Can cause the same hideous agony they usually cure.
** DiagnosisFromDrBadass: Will tell you in deep detail just how badly they're beating you while doing so.
* CommandingCoolness: Same badassery with a naval twist.
* ContraltoOfDanger: Deep voices make women sound Badass.
* CoolShades: A traditional visual accessory of a badass.
* CowardlyLion: They may be cowardly, but when the going gets tough, they'll kick your ass.
** TheSoCalledCoward: They're faking.
* {{Cowboy}}: The standard-issue badass in TheWestern.
* CowboyCop: Badass with a badge who bends the rules to protect the society.
* CulturedBadass: Enjoys the finer things in life and beating the tar out of foes with their fancy cane.
* CurbStompBattle: A badass wipes the floor with his/her opposition.
* CrouchingMoronHiddenBadass: Acts like an idiot or non badass, either on purpose or not, but it's just to hide how capable they are at wreaking their opponents.
* DareToBeBadass: A challenge for someone to do a badass feat.
* DarkActionGirl: She's evil and she kicks ass.
* {{Determinator}}: He doesn't give up. Ever.
** PluckyGirl: Neither does [[DistaffCounterpart she]].
* DyingMomentOfAwesome: How a badass dies.
** DiedStandingUp: An alternative to the above.
* DynamicEntry: How a badass says hello.
** BigDamnHeroes: When they arrive JustInTime.
* EarNotch: Badasses with big ears have the scars to prove it.
* EpicBattleBoredom: Mowing down waves of bad guys.
* EverythingsBetterWithDinosaurs: These reptiles ruled the world once by kicking the asses of anyone who got in their way.
* EyepatchOfPower: A great way for a badass to say "even with one eye, I'm still gonna kick your ass."
* FedoraOfAsskicking: A great hat to wear when kicking ass.
* FightingIrish: When the resident Badass happens to be Irish.
* TheFightingNarcissist: A badass who knows just how good looking he really is.
* FightsLikeANormal: Has superpowers, but fights like a BadassNormal.
* FourStarBadass: Has a general's rank and a long list of wrecked faces to their name.
* FullBoarAction: This boar with big armour and big tusks is here to kick ass and chew swill. He's all out of swill.
* FutureBadass: That goofy, gawky character from the present day? In the BadFuture, that character's a hardcore badass.
* GoodIsNotSoft: Much like BewareTheNiceOnes, except they'll just wait for you to piss them off so they can beat you within an inch of your life.
* HadToBeSharp: These people need to be badass just to survive. They've already seen more action coming of age than most other people ever will.
* HandicappedBadass: Don't mistake them for a cripple or they will crush you with what limbs they still have.
** BlindWeaponmaster: Just because they're blind doesn't mean that they can't kick your ass.
* HeartbrokenBadass: You murdered their lover or family. They can and will do the same to you.
* HeroKiller: When this guy gets involved, you might wanna run.
* HeroicAmbidexterity: The ability of great warriors to excel in combat with either hand.
* HeroicDog: Dogs can be badass, especially when they protect those who are important to them.
* HeroicDolphin: You won't have to worry about sharks when these BadassAdorable sea mammals are around.
* HistoricalBadassUpgrade: A historical figure becomes more badass in fiction.
* HotBlooded: A badass does everything with overwhelming passion!
* IJustWantToBeBadass: When a non-badass aspires to be one.
* ImperturbableEnglishman: Total and utter equanimity in the face of mortal danger - he'll finish his [[SpotOfTea tea]], complete [[BritishNewspapers The Times]] crossword puzzle, then hand you your rear end on a silver platter.
* ImplacableMan: There's no stopping this guy from coming to you, when you happen to be his/her target.
** TheJuggernaut: ''Literally.''
* InstantAwesomeJustAddDragons: Come on, is there anything more badass than a dragon?
** DragonKnight: Such that they're inspired by the badasse of dragons. Or they may even [[DraconicHumanoid be one.]]
** DragonRider: ...Someone who rides them, of course.
* InstantAwesomeJustAddMecha: This otherwise okay show suddenly becomes kickass when a mecha appears.
* IntimidationDemonstration: For when the badass decides to show off their skills before combat.
* IronWoobie: Their life sucks, but instead of angsting and kicking ass, they go straight to the second part.
* KickingAssInAllHerFinery: A lady being badass in the most elegant clothes.
* KillerGorilla: Don't mess with this guy; he'll rip off your arms and beat you into submission with them.
* KillerRobot: Made from metal and just as tough.
* KungFuJesus: When a MessianicArchetype decides to be badass.
* LadyOfBlackMagic: Elegant and calm as she destroys you with offensive magic.
* LadyOfWar: She is known for her grace and poise even while she's cutting you to pieces.
** OfficerAndAGentleman: SpearCounterpart.
* LanternJawOfJustice: That square jaw is the calling card of the one who will make you understand the meaning of the words "You'll pay for your sins."
* LargeAndInCharge: Size ''does'' matter.
* LetsGetDangerous: This nobody decides that it's time to show off some badass feats. Watch out.
* LightningBruiser: They're strong, fast ''and'' tough.
* LittleMissBadass: Short of stature, but not of the ability to make you die horribly for underestimating her.
* LongDeadBadass: This character was the most badass of their time.
* MachoMasochism: When a badass inflicts injury on him or herself simply to demonstrate how hard s/he is.
* MajorlyAwesome: Okay, so they're not a ColonelBadass or a FourStarBadass. Don't mistake their relative lack of rank for a lack of asskicking.
* MajorInjuryUnderreaction: You ripped off their arm, but they didn't even flinch.
* MamaBear: Mess with her kids and die. Your choice.
** PapaWolf: Mess with [[SpearCounterpart his]] kids and MamaBear is the ''least'' of your problems.
* MasterOfAll: So badass, s/he's badass at EVERYTHING.
* MasterSwordsman: Challenge them to a swordfight. Let's see how long you last.
* MemeticBadass: While their actual badass credentials may or may not be justified, their reputation as a badass is considered OffTheScale.
* MightyLumberjack: [[Series/MontyPythonsFlyingCircus He's a lumberjack and he's badass]].
* MoreDeadlyThanTheMale: She makes up for her lack of strength by being more ruthless than you and her boyfriend combined.
* MotherRussiaMakesYouStrong: And it isn't a healthy environment for weaklings.
* NervesOfSteel: Badass under pressure.
* NeverSmileAtACrocodile: While sharks prowl the seas, these armored reptiles fill the same niche in freshwater.
* NobleBirdOfPrey: Eagles, hawks, falcons and harriers are at the top of their food chains for a reason.
* NobleWolf: The power to kick ass is a key feature for wolves, especially the noble ones.
** SavageWolves: Same as NobleWolf, except it's the EvilCounterpart.
* NonchalantDodge: A more badass way of saying "try harder" is to evade an attack without breaking a sweat.
* NoSell: An even more badass way of saying "try harder" than the NonchalantDodge is to take an attack to the gut without even the slightest hint of injury.
* OnceKilledAManWithANoodleImplement: Badass enough to kill someone with strange implements.
* OneHandedZweihander: When someone fights wielding a two-handed weapon with one hand, you know you shouldn't mess with them.
** FiringOneHanded: Ditto, with guns.
* OneManArmy: They don't need reinforcements. They ''are'' the reinforcements.
** OneRiotOneRanger: When the choice is to send in the army or send in one man, they send in one man. This man.
** PersonOfMassDestruction: They ''are'' the nuclear bomb.
* PantheraAwesome: Cats are [[CoolCat awesome]], especially big ones.
* PintSizedPowerhouse: They may be small, but they pack quite a punch.
* PopCulturedBadass: They kick ass while listening to some rock music after having seen their favorite sitcom.
* PowersDoTheFighting: This guy is so badass he can defeat you with his arms folded. His powers do all the fighting for him.
* ProudWarriorRaceGuy: Warrior cultures have been known to produce many badasses in their day and this guy is one of them.
* RaginCajun: What Cajuns become when your face needs wrecking.
* RatedMForManly: Badass taken UpToEleven.
* RedBaron: Because every badass needs a nickname to go with the reputation.
* ReluctantWarrior: They don't want to hurt you; that doesn't mean they can't.
* RescueReversal: They don't need saving, they'll bail themselves out and save ''YOU'' while they're at it.
* RetiredBadass: They hung up their asskicking credentials. Doesn't mean they forgot how.
* RuggedScar: See that guy with the scar? Don't mess with him.
* ScarfOfAsskicking: A badass scarf.
* ScaryBlackMan: This black guy looks like he can kick someone's ass. He can!
* SealedBadassInACan: When a badass of some type is temporarily put in some sort of stasis so they can later be unleashed.
* ShutUpHannibal: How a badass hero lets you know that you talk too much.
** KilledMidSentence: Self-explanatory.
** TalkToTheFist: With his fist.
** ShutUpKirk: The badass villain is no longer putting up with your crap.
* SilkHidingSteel: She is cool, calm, collected. The perfect proper lady. Don't mess with her.
* SoulBrotha: He's a black man who grooves, who sways, and kicks ass while talking slang.
* SpecsOfAwesome: A badass pair of glasses.
* TestosteronePoisoning: A parody of RatedMForManly.
* ThreateningShark: When sharks appear in the water, you know you're in trouble.
* TookALevelInBadass: When a non badass or a minor badass gets better at it.
** RedemptionPromotion: when HeelFaceTurn makes you more badass.
* TrainingFromHell: It's not exactly easy learning how to be a badass.
* TranquilFury: Being badass while being angry in a calm, ice-cold way.
* TyrannosaurusRex: This creature was the apex predator of its day; just imagine what it could do now.
* UltimateBlacksmith: This guy can turn the most useless junk into a weapon of asskicking.
* UnconsciousObjector: When even a fainted guy can still move around and do awesome things for a few moments.
* UnderestimatingBadassery: When a badass is underestimated by those who should know better.
* UnflinchingWalk: They won't even stop to look at how much they just wrecked you.
** InfernalRetaliation: You tried to KillItWithFire. It works... in reverse.
** OutOfTheInferno: Did they just walk through fire? Well, you're screwed.
* VigilanteMan: When the cops aren't fast enough to arrive, the Badass will have to take the law in his own hands.
* WaifFu: Petite, yes, but that doesn't stop her from kicking your ass.
* WarriorPrince: He'll lead his people to victory on the front lines.
* WeDoTheImpossible: They regularly accomplish [[ImpossibleTask Impossible Tasks]].
* WoodenShipsAndIronMen: To sail aboard a CoolBoat, you have to be tougher than nails.

[[AC:Plural forms:]]
* ActionDuo: An ActionHero and an ActionSurvivor team up and kick ass.
* AmazonBrigade: A BadassCrew of {{Action Girl}}s.
* BackToBackBadasses: When two badass characters back each other up. Two badasses are better than one.
* BadassArmy: An entire army of badass.
* BadassCrew: An entire team of badass.
* BadassMindsThinkAlike: Two badasses go into battle together without any plans at all. They somehow survive.
* BadassFamily: An entire family of badasses. [[LamarckWasRight Because badass is hereditary.]]
* BashBrothers: A pair of action heroes team up and kick ass.
** LovelyAngels: [[DistaffCounterpart A pair of]] {{Action Girl}}s team up and kick ass.
* BattleCouple: Badass Lovers.
* RetiredBadassRoundup: For when the {{Retired Badass}}es all team up again for OneLastJob[=/=]to come out of retirement.
* TheSpartanWay: When a whole army is made of TrainingFromHell.
* WorldOfActionGirls: Every girl is badass here.
* WorldOfBadass: An entire world of badasses.

[[AC:PlayingWithATrope:]]
* AdaptationalWimp: In the original work, he's badass. In the adaptation, less so.
* BadassDecay: A badass becomes less so over time.
** RedemptionDemotion: When HeelFaceTurn makes you less badass.
* BadassInDistress: When a badass is captured somehow. They either really have to be saved, or be able to escape later.
* BadassOnPaper: They genuinely did something badass as people said... but it might be not so awesome when you actually witness it. They would agree.
* BreakTheBadass: When even the Badass break down sobbing upon meeting a particularly dangerous opponent/situation.
* BrokenAce: Becoming TheAce may break you in the process.
* MistakenForBadass: Inverse of HiddenBadass.
* NoBadassToHisValet: No matter how badass the character is, there is always one person who just isn't intimidated.
* PaperTiger: Another inverse of HiddenBadass.
* WhatMeasureIsANonBadass: When a badass isn't considered badass enough for the setting in question.
* TheWorfEffect: He's supposedly a badass as the work says and yet gets his ass handed to him, sometimes multiple times.
** TheWorfBarrage: Inverse of NoSell to the attacker - a supposedly badass attack is stopped flat like it was nothing.
[[/index]]

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[[quoteright:310:[[ComicBook/NickFury http://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/NickFuryBadass_1905.jpg]]]]
[[caption-width-right:310:Due to [[AwesomenessIsAForce Awesomeness Being a Force]], the splinters and shrapnel don't touch him.]]

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->''"Wolf the Quarrelsome only appears in history twice, and both times he's kicking someone's ass. (...) We don't know shit about his childhood, his girlfriend, his favorite color or what he liked to do in his spare time. When you read a history of his life, you only learn one thing - he kicked fucking asses. That's it."''
-->-- '''''Website/BadassOfTheWeek'''''

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The term Badass is primarily used to describe either a type of character or describe the kind of actions that a character performs. However, exactly what a badass person or action is can differ wildly depending on context or the people using the term. This is shown in how it can be used as a noun or an adjective. TV Tropes does not make an attempt to limit what Badass means, only trying to define how it is used. While there is no precise definition, there is a broad consensus on actions or people who could often be called badass. It is lumped very loosely together by words like ability, bravery, appearance and attitude with some emphasizing one trait and others another.

This {{trope}} is [[IThoughtItMeant not what you say to]] a StubbornMule. The below is a list of what it ''could'' be depending on the person and the situation.

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!Badass as "Cool, awesome"
The word "badass" is quite often used as yet another synonym to "cool, awesome, sweet, rad, etc". The usage can range from contexts overlapping with other uses listed on this page ("that stunt was badass", "this is a badass fight") to absolutely anything ("what a badass guitar solo", "that's a pretty badass car", "bro, your gran's embroidery looks fucking badass, man").

!Badass as Fighter
Any competent warrior; from [[WorldsBestWarrior the best fighter in universe]] to just any trained fighter. If fighting is required, it's best if you can handle it well enough to avoid embarrassing yourself. A Badass is a character that is known for their ability to fight and carry their own weight. If Alice can defeat three grown men attacking her at once, that's pretty impressive. However, she might be outclassed by the Badass characters who can defeat three hundred grown men at once.

!Badass as EscapistCharacter
An idealization of the author or the audience. These characters are exceptionally brave, strong, skilled etc. Some might accuse them of being overpowered. A GaryStu is basically a hyper badass. Quoting from the page, "He's an unstoppable fighter, a rogue agent, a fearless freedom fighter, a master of disguise." Also, quoted from the page, "devastatingly handsome (or if not, possessed of a strange, saturnine magnetism) and desired by all significant women".

!Badass as Tough and Resilient
"The character stays strong despite pain and hazards due to strong willpower". This is where the BadassPacifist comes from. They don't fight back but their opponent can't hurt them anyways. {{Determinator}} covers those characters who are renowned for their limitless willpower; MadeOfIron for characters who can't be slowed down by physical injury and don't have an ability like SuperToughness.

!Badass as RuleOfCool
This was the definition we had in this page for a while. This is a character who does improbable stunts because it is cool.

Typically, Badass will come down to presentation. Often, even supposedly "normal" badasses can pull off stunts that would be considered highly unlikely in real life, such as fighting off a dozen soldiers at once or shrugging off what should really be a fatal or incapacitating injury. However, many badasses are not limited to what would be passingly reasonable in real life, allowing all sorts of superpowers to come into the equation as necessary, or perhaps their appearance or role is drastically at odds with their ability, such as a little girl tossing adult men like rag dolls.

!Badass as "Character who is formidable: inspiring awe and respect in allies, and fear in enemies".
The character gives an influence to the surrounding people which emphasizes how much of a big deal the person is. This can be achieved by being strong in general, being skilled, or achieving something great. See also TheAce, TheDreaded, FamedInStory, and LivingLegend.

!Badass as "Character who's very brave; 'got huge balls'".
The character, especially if driven with a purpose, will not waver even if facing a very big threat. They'll ignore pressure and stay calm and collected, or better yet, stay as happy-go-lucky as they usually are. See: BrassBalls and NervesOfSteel. If the character is not competent enough to match their daring do, then they are a DarwinAward winner and a FearlessFool.

!Badass as stock character
TheOtherWiki calls this kind of character the "hotshot" archetype. As quoted, this character is "known for taking more risks, action and pain than the other characters in the story." Their characteristics are listed as arrogance, abrasive manners, aggressiveness, a tendency to prefer to be alone even to the point of working alone, sometimes at odds with the group they are part of.

! Badass as "Macho, stereotypically manly"
Many definitions above are often seen as "macho" as it is considered a good man's quality to behave/be like such. IWantToBeARealMan is a desire to be seen as this; typically, the character will try to display "badass" qualities in order to qualify. Do note, however, that females are equally likely to display similar qualities. See RatedMForManly. When it's exaggerated for parody, see TestosteronePoisoning.

!Badass as "Character who constantly takes risks and prevails against unlikely odds"
The character always finds themselves in dangerous situations and uses all his abilities to come out safely, or even on top. They may draw themselves to it (being a BloodKnight, likes to be InHarmsWay, it is part of your quest or of your day job) or they may be drawn into it (they're being dragged by other people or circumstances). They tend to go beyond expectations. See WeDoTheImpossible; when this is done when they don't intend to, see BadassUnintentional. If they survive due to their luck, see BornLucky.

For a not so complete list of badasses from both fiction and history, see BadassOfTheWeek.

If an example can be placed in these previous {{trope}}s, please put them there.

For many outstanding examples of badasse, see MomentOfAwesome.

Considering ''every'' hero of ancient myth was Badass Incarnate[[{{Tradesnark}} ™]], this trope is OlderThanDirt.

Contrast LoserArchetype.

[[AC:Different Words for the Noun Form]]

Depending on who you are and how you like to say the word, there's unfortunately no universally agreed-upon word for the noun form of the adjective "badass." Fortunately there's this list here:

* Badassery (bad-ASS-ur-ee)
* Badassness (bad-ASS-ness)
* Badassitude (bad-ASS-ih-tood)
* Badasse (buh-DASS, bih-DASS or bah-DASS)

[[AC:Jokes]]
* There's an old joke reused for every famous Badass, from Creator/JohnWayne to Creator/ChuckNorris:
** Did you hear they removed [Action Star]'s new toilet paper brand from the market? There were complaints that it was rough and tough and didn't take shit off anybody.

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->'''Statler:''' Would you call that Badass?\\
'''Waldorf:''' No, I would call that bad, ass.\\
'''[[JustForFun/StatlerAndWaldorf Both]]:''' Do-ho-ho-ho-hoh!

* CurbStompBattle: A badass wipes the floor with his/her opposition.