History Analysis / BadAss

Many definitions above are often seen as "macho" as [[MenAreTough 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.

This was the definition [[Wiki/TVTropes we]] had for a while. This is a character who does improbable stunts because it is cool.

Wiki/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.

An idealization of [[SelfInsertFic the author]] or the audience. These characters are exceptionally brave, strong, skilled etc. Some might accuse them of being too perfect or [[StoryBreakerPower powerful]]. A GaryStu is basically an extreme 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".

This was the definition we had for a while. This is a character who does improbable stunts because it is cool.

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.

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 "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.

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.

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.

[[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.]]

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.

The below is a list of what it ''could'' be depending on the person and the situation.

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

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"). This is NotATrope in itself, but we do maintain specific sections to list awesome characters and moments in fiction: see SugarWiki/GushingAboutCharactersYouLike and SugarWiki/MomentOfAwesome.

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"). This is NotATrope in itself, but we do maintain lists of awesome characters and moments in fiction: see SugarWiki/GushingAboutCharactersYouLike and SugarWiki/MomentOfAwesome.

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"). This is NotATrope in itself, but we do maintain lists of awesome stuff that happens in fiction: see SugarWiki/MomentOfAwesome.

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"). This is NotATrope in itself, but we do maintain lists of awesome stuff that happens in fiction: see SugarWiki/MomentsOfAwesome.

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").

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 [[OneManArmy defeat three hundred grown men at once]].

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.

An idealization of the author or the audience. These characters are exceptionally brave, strong, skilled etc. Some might accuse them of being too powerful. A GaryStu is basically an extreme 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".

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".

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

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.