bae

¹ American  

[bey] / beɪ /

noun

1. an affectionate term used to address or refer to one’s girlfriend, boyfriend, spouse, etc..

   I love you, bae.

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adjective

baeer, baeest

1. greatly admired or loved.

2. very cool; great.

   His accent is so totally bae!

BAE ² American  

1. Bureau of Agricultural Economics.

2. Bureau of American Ethnology.

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B.A.E. ³ American  

abbreviation

1. Bachelor of Aeronautical Engineering.

2. Bachelor of Agricultural Engineering.

3. Bachelor of Architectural Engineering.

4. Bachelor of Art Education.

5. Bachelor of Arts in Education.

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Sensitive Note

Like similar uses of babe and baby, the word bae may sometimes be disparaging or offensive when used to refer to someone considered attractive or when used to address a stranger or casual acquaintance.

Usage

What does bae mean? Bae is a slang term for one’s significant other or an object of affection, often used to address them, e.g., I love you, bae!

Etymology

Origin of bae

An Americanism first recorded in 2000–05; probably a shortening of babe or baby

Example Sentences

Or maybe you throw in some words you think kids these days use, only to have your use of "bae" and "lit" be met with teenage eye rolls.

From Salon • May 30, 2022

Chris Pine’s eternal bae status confirmed by his mask compliance and support of independent bookstores.

From Slate • Oct. 15, 2020

I just want to be healthy for my bae and my family.

From New York Times • Nov. 9, 2018

Photo c shows Velella bae, which resembles a flying saucer with a blue bottom and a clear, dome-shaped top.

From Textbooks • Jan. 1, 2015

S. ta'e. tataga v. i., bae tataga, to speak blasphemously. tatagala adj., bae tatagala, to speak blasphemously. tatagwelu adj., headlong.

From Grammar and Vocabulary of the Lau Language, Solomon Islands by Ivens, W. G. (Walter George)