Bae is a term of endearment for a romantic partner, often said to stand for Before Anyone Else.
Bae is an affectionate nickname for a boyfriend, girlfriend, or partner. It is widely believed to stand for Before Anyone Else, though it also started simply as a shortened form of babe.
How Bae Is Used
- As a pet name for a partner, in person or in texts.
- Loosely for a crush or someone you are into.
- Jokingly for anything you love, as in pizza is bae.
Is Bae Still Used?
The term peaked in the mid 2010s and is now sometimes used with a touch of irony. It still shows up constantly in texting and on social media, even as newer slang comes and goes.
As a term of affection it is casual and lighthearted, better suited to a relaxed relationship than a serious moment.