What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
badass
Example
He's such a badass, always standing up for what he believes in. [badass: noun]
Example
She has a badass attitude that commands respect. [badass: adjective]
hardcore
Example
He's a hardcore gamer, spending hours playing video games every day. [hardcore: adjective]
Example
The band played a hardcore punk song that got the crowd moshing. [hardcore: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Badass is more commonly used than hardcore in everyday language. Badass has become a popular slang term, especially in informal contexts, while hardcore is more specific and often used in certain subcultures or niche interests.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between badass and hardcore?
While badass is associated with a more informal and edgier tone, hardcore can be used in both informal and formal contexts, making it more versatile in terms of formality.