Based and its meaning definitely fall into the second category.
It can be used ironically and unironically and have different connotations depending on who uses it.
Related:What Does “Sus” Mean?
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Based, as a general slang word, originated from the 1980s recreational drug culture.
Someone who was “Based” or a “Basehead” was a person addicted to crack.
This definition stuck around until the early 2000s.
While regularly being described as quirky and unique, Lil B contributed to an album called Based Boys.
Not being scared of what people think about you.
Not being afraid to do what you wanna do.
Figures in that space are routinely labeled “Based” by their supporters online.
Based on What?
Based has spawned severalmemes.
Related:What Is a Meme (and How Did They Originate)?
The best known of these is “Based?
Based on What?”
which reflects the almost fluid definition of the term.
How to Use Based
Based is commonly written as part of a standard sentence.
It can also be included as a hashtag to label a comment.
It can even be used on its own, as a response to an enlightened comment you agree with.
