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{{trope}}
{{trope}}
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[[File:NickFuryBadass 1905.jpg|frame|link=Nick Fury|The splinters and shrapnel would not touch him, due to [[Pure Awesomeness]].]]


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{{quote|''"Until a man is twenty-five, he still thinks, every so often, that under the right circumstances he could be the baddest motherfucker in the world. ...Hiro used to feel this way, too, but then he ran into Raven. In a way, this was liberating. He no longer has to worry about being the baddest motherfucker in the world. The position is taken."''|'''''[[Snow Crash]]'''''}}
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[[File:NickFuryBadass_1905.jpg|frame|link=Nick Fury|The splinters and shrapnel would not touch
him, due to [[Pure Awesomeness]].]]

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{{quote| ''"Until a man is twenty-five, he still thinks, every so often, that under the right circumstances he could be the baddest motherfucker in the world. ...Hiro used to feel this way, too, but then he ran into Raven. In a way, this was liberating. He no longer has to worry about being the baddest motherfucker in the world. The position is taken."''|--'''''[[Snow Crash]]'''''}}


[[Rule of Cool]] personified.
[[Rule of Cool]] personified.


[[Badass]] is an adjective used to describe a character who gets away with outright insane stunts (defusing a bomb with their teeth, [[Did You Just Scam Cthulhu?|conning a mob boss]], [[One-Man Army|getting into a firefight with the entire army]], etc.) that would be very hard to pull off in [[Real Life]], or would get the person trying it killed several times over. A badass is a fantasy figure whom the audience roots for precisely because of how prone they are to [[Moment of Awesome|awesome moments]], to the point where they stretch or break the [[Willing Suspension of Disbelief]]. Of course, [[Willing Suspension of Disbelief]] may still be maintained depending on the mechanics of the universe.
'''Badass''' is an adjective used to describe a character who gets away with outright insane stunts (defusing a bomb with their teeth, [[Did You Just Scam Cthulhu?|conning a mob boss]], [[One-Man Army|getting into a firefight with the entire army]], etc.) that would be very hard to pull off in [[Real Life]], or would get the person trying it killed several times over. A badass is a fantasy figure whom the audience roots for precisely because of how prone they are to [[Moment of Awesome|awesome moments]], to the point where they stretch or break the [[Willing Suspension of Disbelief]]. Of course, [[Willing Suspension of Disbelief]] may still be maintained depending on the mechanics of the universe.


It's notable that fans are more likely to tolerate a violent monster of a "hero" than a befuddled, cowardly [[Classical Antihero]].
It's notable that fans are more likely to tolerate a violent monster of a "hero" than a befuddled, cowardly [[Classical Anti-Hero]].


Most attempts to parody or deconstruct the badass have turned into [[Misaimed Fandom]] -- no matter how nutty the character gets (like Rorschach from ''[[Watchmen (Comic Book)|Watchmen]]),'' the fans just cheer on how badass the character is. This has led to a new [[Trope]]: the [[Sociopathic Hero]]. Writers beware: Take it too far and either [[God Mode Sue]] or [[Jerk Sue]] will stride [[Out of the Inferno]] of your work.
Most attempts to parody or deconstruct the badass have turned into [[Misaimed Fandom]]—no matter how nutty the character gets (like Rorschach from ''[[Watchmen (comics)|Watchmen]]),'' the fans just cheer on how badass the character is. This has led to a new [[Trope]]: the [[Sociopathic Hero]]. Writers beware: Take it too far and either [[God Mode Sue]] or [[Jerk Sue]] will stride [[Out of the Inferno]] of your work.


For a child-friendly version of the badass whose badassery is somewhat diminished by the limitations of the work, see [[Badbutt]].
For a child-friendly version of the badass whose badassery is somewhat diminished by the limitations of the work, see [[Badbutt]].
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'''Below are the tropes that are definite signs of a true badass. For [[Sub-Trope|Sub Tropes]] when the character who you do not expect to be like this becomes a badass anyway, [[Hidden Badass|see this index]].'''
'''Below are the tropes that are definite signs of a true badass. For [[Sub-Trope|Sub Tropes]] when the character who you do not expect to be like this becomes a badass anyway, [[Hidden Badass|see this index]].'''



* [[Action Fashionista]]: When they're not searching for the latest trends, they're kicking ass.
* [[Action Fashionista]]: When they're not searching for the latest trends, they're kicking ass.
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** [[Action Girlfriend]]: When she's your girlfriend
** [[Action Girlfriend]]: When she's your girlfriend
*** [[Violently Protective Girlfriend]]: You hurt her lover. Nice knowing you, pal.
*** [[Violently Protective Girlfriend]]: You hurt her lover. Nice knowing you, pal.
** [[Amazon Chaser]]: Someone sees a girl kick ass and thinks "that's hot."
** [[Hot Amazon]]: Someone sees a girl kick ass and thinks "that's hot."
** [[Pregnant Badass]]: She's carrying a child. Don't think she can't terminate your ability to create them.
** [[Pregnant Badass]]: She's carrying a child. Don't think she can't terminate your ability to create them.
** [[Action Mom]]: Mom kicks ass.
** [[Action Mom]]: Mom kicks ass.
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* [[Agent Peacock]]: [[Rule of Glamorous]] meets [[Rule of Cool]] in a effeminate guy who kicks butt.
* [[Agent Peacock]]: [[Rule of Glamorous]] meets [[Rule of Cool]] in a effeminate guy who kicks butt.
* [[Almighty Janitor]]: He may have the lowest rank but can kick more ass than his superiors.
* [[Almighty Janitor]]: He may have the lowest rank but can kick more ass than his superiors.
* [[Asskicking Pose]]: [[Exactly What It Says On the Tin]].
* [[Asskicking Pose]]: [[Exactly What It Says on the Tin]].
** [[Badass Arm-Fold]]: A particularly badass pose.
** [[Badass Arm-Fold]]: A particularly badass pose.
* [[Awesome Aussie]]: The coolest thing to come from down under.
* [[Awesome Aussie]]: The coolest thing to come from down under.
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* [[Badass Cape]]: Long flowing capes are the traditional accessory of certain breeds of badasses.
* [[Badass Cape]]: Long flowing capes are the traditional accessory of certain breeds of badasses.
* [[Badass in Charge]]: Pretty much speaks for itself.
* [[Badass in Charge]]: Pretty much speaks for itself.
** [[Authority Equals Asskicking]]/[[Asskicking Equals Authority]]: The higher your rank and/or number of victories respectively, especially against [[Worthy Opponent|Worthy Opponents]], the more badass you are.
** [[Authority Equals Asskicking]]/[[Asskicking Equals Authority]]: The higher your rank and/or number of victories respectively, especially against [[Worthy Opponent]]s, the more badass you are.
* [[Badass Creed]]: A philosophy that espouses badass as a central tenet.
* [[Badass Creed]]: A philosophy that espouses badass as a central tenet.
* [[Badass Damsel]]: She's not as helpless as she looks.
* [[Badass Damsel]]: She's not as helpless as she looks.
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* [[Badass Gay]]: Just because they're gay doesn't mean that they're not a bonafide badass.
* [[Badass Gay]]: Just because they're gay doesn't mean that they're not a bonafide badass.
* [[Badass Grandpa]]: 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.
* [[Badass Grandpa]]: 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.
** [[Never Mess With Granny]]: Genderflipped Badass Grandpa.
** [[Never Mess with Granny]]: Genderflipped Badass Grandpa.
* [[Badass in A Nice Suit]]: A badass needs nice clothes, don't you think?
* [[Badass in a Nice Suit]]: A badass needs nice clothes, don't you think?
** [[Hot Chick in A Badass Suit]]: When women wear badass apparel.
** [[Hot Chick in a Badass Suit]]: When women wear badass apparel.
* [[Badass in Distress]]: When a badass is temporarily out of action in a way that does not diminish their badass rating.
* [[Badass in Distress]]: When a badass is temporarily out of action in a way that does not diminish their badass rating.
* [[Badass Israeli]]: An Israeli who's a badass.
* [[Badass Israeli]]: An Israeli who's a badass.
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* [[Badass Normal]]: The non-powered character in a group with superpowers, but who kicks just as much ass.
* [[Badass Normal]]: The non-powered character in a group with superpowers, but who kicks just as much ass.
** [[Badass Abnormal]]: When said ordinary, already badass person gains superpowers.
** [[Badass Abnormal]]: When said ordinary, already badass person gains superpowers.
* [[Badass On Paper]]: A rare breed where the character can do badass things with out being badass.
* [[Badass on Paper]]: A rare breed where the character can do badass things without being badass.
* [[Badass Pacifist]]: Will try to find a peaceful way out, but when push comes to shove, they ''will'' kick your ass.
* [[Badass Pacifist]]: Will try to find a peaceful way out, but when push comes to shove, they ''will'' kick your ass.
* [[Badass Preacher]]: He will minister to his flock and break you in half with his shepherd's crook if you think about hurting them.
* [[Badass Preacher]]: He will minister to his flock and break you in half with his shepherd's crook if you think about hurting them.
* [[Badass Princess]]: She is not one to get kidnapped. Instead, she breaks kidnappers in half.
* [[Badass Princess]]: She is not one to get kidnapped. Instead, she breaks kidnappers in half.
* [[Badass Santa]]: Santa kicks ass.
* [[Badass Santa]]: Santa kicks ass.
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* [[Badass Servant]]: When a badass is a follower, not a leader, but don't make the mistake that they can't break your face as a result.
* [[Badass Teacher]]: Teaches kids and brutally schools the fools who take them on.
* [[Badass Teacher]]: Teaches kids and brutally schools the fools who take them on.
* [[Badass Transplant]]: When someone becomes a badass via a prosthetic of some kind.
* [[Badass Transplant]]: When someone becomes a badass via a prosthetic of some kind.
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** [[The So-Called Coward]]: They're faking.
** [[The So-Called Coward]]: They're faking.
* [[Cultured Badass]]: Enjoys the finer things in life... and beating the tar out of foes with their fancy cane.
* [[Cultured Badass]]: Enjoys the finer things in life... and beating the tar out of foes with their fancy cane.
* [[Crouching Moron, Hidden Badass]]: 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.
* [[Crouching Moron, Hidden Badass]]: Acts like an idiot or non badass, either on purpose or not, but it's just to hide how capable they are at wrecking their opponents.
* [[Dare to Be Badass]]: When someone decides to quit being normal and be a badass instead.
* [[Dare to Be Badass]]: When someone decides to quit being normal and be a badass instead.
* [[Dark Action Girl]]: She's evil and she kicks ass.
* [[Dark Action Girl]]: She's evil and she kicks ass.
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* [[Four-Star Badass]]: Has a general's rank and a long list of wrecked faces to their name.
* [[Four-Star Badass]]: Has a general's rank and a long list of wrecked faces to their name.
* [[Future Badass]]: That goofy, gawky character from the present day? In the [[Bad Future]], that character's a hardcore badass.
* [[Future Badass]]: That goofy, gawky character from the present day? In the [[Bad Future]], that character's a hardcore badass.
* [[Glowing Eyes of Doom]]: 'Nuff said/
* [[Glowing Eyes of Doom]]: 'Nuff said.
* [[Handicapped Badass]]: Don't mistake them for a cripple or they will crush you with what limbs they still have.
* [[Handicapped Badass]]: Don't mistake them for a cripple or they will crush you with what limbs they still have.
** [[Blind Weaponmaster]]: Just because they're blind doesn't mean that they can't kick your ass.
** [[Blind Weaponmaster]]: Just because they're blind doesn't mean that they can't kick your ass.
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* [[Kung Fu Jesus]]: When a [[Messianic Archetype]] decides to be badass.
* [[Kung Fu Jesus]]: When a [[Messianic Archetype]] decides to be badass.
* [[Lady of War]]: She is known for her grace and poise even while she's cutting you to pieces.
* [[Lady of War]]: She is known for her grace and poise even while she's cutting you to pieces.
** [[Officer and A Gentleman]]: [[Spear Counterpart]].
** [[Officer and a Gentleman]]: [[Spear Counterpart]].
* [[Lantern Jaw of Justice]]: That square jaw is the calling card of the one who will make you understand the meaning of the words "You will pay for your sins."
* [[Lantern Jaw of Justice]]: That square jaw is the calling card of the one who will make you understand the meaning of the words "You will pay for your sins."
* [[Large and In Charge]]: Size does matter.
* [[Large and In Charge]]: Size does matter.
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** [[Papa Wolf]]: Mess with [[Distaff Counterpart|his]] kids and [[Mama Bear]] is the ''least'' of your problems.
** [[Papa Wolf]]: Mess with [[Distaff Counterpart|his]] kids and [[Mama Bear]] is the ''least'' of your problems.
* [[Memetic Badass]]: While their actual badass credentials may or may not be justified, their reputation as a badass is considered [[Off the Scale]].
* [[Memetic Badass]]: While their actual badass credentials may or may not be justified, their reputation as a badass is considered [[Off the Scale]].
* [[Mighty Lumberjack]]: [[Monty Python's Flying Circus (TV)|Monty Python's Flying Circus]] He's a lumberjack and he's badass, he sleeps all night and chops trees/kicks asses all day!]]
* [[Mighty Lumberjack]]: [[Monty Python's Flying Circus|He's a lumberjack and he's badass, he sleeps all night and chops trees/kicks asses all day!]]
* [[More Deadly Than the Male]]: She makes up for her lack of (obvious) strength by being more ruthless than you and her boyfriend combined.
* [[More Deadly Than the Male]]: She makes up for her lack of (obvious) strength by being more ruthless than you and her boyfriend combined.
* [[Mother Russia Makes You Strong]]: and it isn't a healthy environment for wussies.
* [[Mother Russia Makes You Strong]]: and it isn't a healthy environment for wussies.
* [[No Badass to His Valet]]: No matter how badass the character is, there is always one person who just isn't intimidated.
* [[No Badass to His Valet]]: No matter how badass the character is, there is always one person who just isn't intimidated.
* [[Oh Crap]]: The classic reaction when you realized you're about to get your ass kicked.
* [[Oh Crap]]: The classic reaction when you realized you're about to get your ass kicked.
* [[Once Killed a Man With A Noodle Implement]]: Badass enough to kill someone with strange implements.
* [[Once Killed a Man with A Noodle Implement]]: Badass enough to kill someone with strange implements.
* [[One-Man Army]]: They don't need reinforcements. They ''are'' the reinforcements.
* [[One-Man Army]]: They don't need reinforcements. They ''are'' the reinforcements.
** [[Person of Mass Destruction]]: They ''are'' the nuclear bomb.
** [[Person of Mass Destruction]]: They ''are'' the nuclear bomb.
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* [[Pint-Sized Powerhouse]]: They may be small, but they pack quite a punch.
* [[Pint-Sized Powerhouse]]: They may be small, but they pack quite a punch.
* [[Pop-Cultured Badass]]: They kick ass while listening to some rock music after having seen their favorite sitcom.
* [[Pop-Cultured Badass]]: They kick ass while listening to some rock music after having seen their favorite sitcom.
* [[Ragin Cajun]]: What Cajuns become when your face needs wrecking.
* [[Ragin' Cajun]]: What Cajuns become when your face needs wrecking.
* [[Rated "M" for Manly]]: Badass taken [[Up to Eleven]].
* [[Rated "M" for Manly]]: Badass taken [[Up to Eleven]].
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* [[Red Baron]]: Because every badass needs a nickname to go with the reputation.
* [[Retired Badass]]: They hung up their asskicking credentials. Doesn't mean they forgot how.
* [[Retired Badass]]: They hung up their asskicking credentials. Doesn't mean they forgot how.
* [[Samus Is a Girl]]: When an [[Action Girl]]'s badass status is established before her gender is revealed.
* [[Samus Is a Girl]]: When an [[Action Girl]]'s badass status is established before her gender is revealed.
* [[Scarf of Asskicking]]: A badass scarf.
* [[Scarf of Asskicking]]: A badass scarf.
* [[Sealed Badass in A Can]]: When a badass of some type is temporarily put in some sort of stasis so they can later be unleashed.
* [[Sealed Badass in a Can]]: When a badass of some type is temporarily put in some sort of stasis so they can later be unleashed.
* [[Shut UP, Hannibal]]: How a badass lets you know that you talk too much.
* [[Shut UP, Hannibal]]: How a badass lets you know that you talk too much.
** [[Talk to The Fist]]: With his fist.
** [[Talk to the Fist]]: With his fist.
** [[Killed Mid-Sentence]]: Self-explanatory.
** [[Killed Mid-Sentence]]: Self-explanatory.
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* [[Sobriquet]]: Because every badass needs a nickname to go with the reputation.
* [[Sociopathic Hero]]: They fight for good, but that doesn't mean they're good themselves.
* [[Sociopathic Hero]]: They fight for good, but that doesn't mean they're good themselves.
* [[Specs of Awesome]]: A badass pair of glasses.
* [[Specs of Awesome]]: A badass pair of glasses.
* [[Staring Down Cthulhu]]: What it says -- and you can bet a character has to be badass to do ''that''.
* [[Staring Down Cthulhu]]: What it says—and you can bet a character has to be badass to do ''that''.
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* [[Submissive Badass]]: When a badass is a follower, not a leader, but don't make the mistake that they can't break your face as a result.
* [[Testosterone Poisoning]]: A parody of [[Rated "M" for Manly]].
* [[Testosterone Poisoning]]: A parody of [[Rated "M" for Manly]].
* [[Took a Level In Badass]]: When a non badass or a minor badass gets better at it.
* [[Took a Level in Badass]]: When a non badass or a minor badass gets better at it.
* [[Trampled Underfoot]]: What very large badasses do to show that they mean business.
* [[Trampled Underfoot]]: What very large badasses do to show that they mean business.
* [[Tranquil Fury]]: Being badass while being angry in a calm, ice-cold way.
* [[Tranquil Fury]]: Being badass while being angry in a calm, ice-cold way.
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* [[Action Duo]]: An [[Action Hero]] and an [[Action Survivor]] team up and kick ass.
* [[Action Duo]]: An [[Action Hero]] and an [[Action Survivor]] team up and kick ass.
* [[Amazon Brigade]]: A [[Badass Crew]] of [[Action Girl|Action Girls]].
* [[Amazon Brigade]]: A [[Badass Crew]] of [[Action Girl]]s.
* [[Back-to-Back Badasses]]: When two badass characters back each other up. Two badasses are better than one.
* [[Back-to-Back Badasses]]: When two badass characters back each other up. Two badasses are better than one.
* [[Badass Army]]: An entire army of badass.
* [[Badass Army]]: An entire army of badass.
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* [[Badass Family]]: An entire family of badasses. [[Lamarck Was Right|Because badass is hereditary.]]
* [[Badass Family]]: An entire family of badasses. [[Lamarck Was Right|Because badass is hereditary.]]
* [[Bash Brothers]]: A pair of action heroes team up and kick ass.
* [[Bash Brothers]]: A pair of action heroes team up and kick ass.
** [[Lovely Angels]]: [[Distaff Counterpart|A pair of]] [[Action Girl|Action Girls]] team up and kick ass.
** [[Lovely Angels]]: [[Distaff Counterpart|A pair of]] [[Action Girl]]s team up and kick ass.
* [[Battle Couple]]: Badass Lovers.
* [[Battle Couple]]: Badass Lovers.
* [[Retired Badass Roundup]]: For when the [[Retired Badass|Retired Badasses]] all team up again for [[One Last Job]]/to come out of retirement.
* [[Retired Badass Roundup]]: For when the [[Retired Badass]]es all team up again for [[One Last Job]]/to come out of retirement.
* [[World of Action Girls]]: Every girl is badass here.
* [[World of Action Girls]]: Every girl is badass here.
* [[World of Badass]]: An entire world of badassery.
* [[World of Badass]]: An entire world of badassery.


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


⚫
If an example can be placed in these previous [[Trope|tropes]], please put them there.


For many outstanding examples of badassness, see [[Moment of Awesome]].
For many outstanding examples of badassness, see [[Moment of Awesome]].


Considering almost ''every'' hero of ancient myth was Badass Incarnate[[Tradesnark|?]], this trope is [[Older Than Dirt]].
Considering almost ''every'' hero of ancient myth was Badass Incarnate[[Tradesnark™|™]], this trope is [[Older Than Dirt]].
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=== Now divided into [[Badass]] sub-pages: ===

* [[Badass/Anime|Anime]]
* [[Badass/Comic Books|Comic Books]]
* [[Badass/Fanfic|Fanfic]]
* [[Badass/Film|Film]]
* [[Badass/Literature|Literature]]
* [[Badass/Live Action TV|Live Action TV]]
* [[Badass/Mythology|Mythology]]
* [[Badass/Tabletop Games|Tabletop Games]]
* [[Badass/Video Games|Video Games]]
* [[Badass/Web Comics|Web Comics]]
* [[Badass/Web Original|Web Original]]
* [[Badass/Western Animation|Western Animation]]
* [[Badass/Other|Other]]
* [[Badass/Real Life|Real Life]]


{{examples on subpages|suf=es}}
{{reflist}}
{{reflist}}
[[Category:Tropes of Legend]]
[[Category:{{PAGENAME}}]]
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[[Category:Bollywood Tropes]]
[[Category:Characterization Tropes]]
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[[Category:Comedy Tropes]]
[[Category:Madness Tropes]]
[[Category:Madness Tropes]]
[[Category:Bollywood]]
[[Category:Nightmare Fuel Station Attendant]]
[[Category:Comedy Tropes]]
[[Category:Older Than Dirt]]
[[Category:Characterization Tropes]]
[[Category:Power]]
[[Category:Stock Characters]]
[[Category:Stock Characters]]
[[Category:Darkness Visible]]
[[Category:Tropes of Legend]]
[[Category:Nightmare Fuel Stationattendant]]
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[[Category:index]]
⚫
[[Category:Bad Ass]]

Latest revision as of 16:47, 23 March 2023

The splinters and shrapnel would not touch him, due to Pure Awesomeness.
"Until a man is twenty-five, he still thinks, every so often, that under the right circumstances he could be the baddest motherfucker in the world. ...Hiro used to feel this way, too, but then he ran into Raven. In a way, this was liberating. He no longer has to worry about being the baddest motherfucker in the world. The position is taken."
—Snow Crash

Rule of Cool personified.

Badass is an adjective used to describe a character who gets away with outright insane stunts (defusing a bomb with their teeth, conning a mob boss, getting into a firefight with the entire army, etc.) that would be very hard to pull off in Real Life, or would get the person trying it killed several times over. A badass is a fantasy figure whom the audience roots for precisely because of how prone they are to awesome moments, to the point where they stretch or break the Willing Suspension of Disbelief. Of course, Willing Suspension of Disbelief may still be maintained depending on the mechanics of the universe.

It's notable that fans are more likely to tolerate a violent monster of a "hero" than a befuddled, cowardly Classical Anti-Hero.

Most attempts to parody or deconstruct the badass have turned into Misaimed Fandom—no matter how nutty the character gets (like Rorschach from Watchmen), the fans just cheer on how badass the character is. This has led to a new Trope: the Sociopathic Hero. Writers beware: Take it too far and either God Mode Sue or Jerk Sue will stride Out of the Inferno of your work.

For a child-friendly version of the badass whose badassery is somewhat diminished by the limitations of the work, see Badbutt.

For a not so complete list of badasses, see Badass of the Week.

This Trope is not what you say to a Stubborn Mule. Characters that are Badass are often said to have Brass Balls.

Below are the tropes that are definite signs of a true badass. For Sub Tropes when the character who you do not expect to be like this becomes a badass anyway, see this index.

Plural forms:

If an example can be placed in these previous tropes, please put them there.

For many outstanding examples of badassness, see Moment of Awesome.

Considering almost every hero of ancient myth was Badass Incarnate™, this trope is Older Than Dirt.

Examples of Badasses are listed on these subpages:
Retrieved from "https://allthetropes.org/wiki/Badass?oldid=2006666"