The first time I saw someone text “bae,” I honestly thought it was a typo. My friend wrote, “Going out with my bae tonight 😌” and I kept wondering… bae? Bay? Bag?
It wasn’t until I saw it again on Instagram captions, TikTok comments, and even memes that I realized—nope, it wasn’t autocorrect. It was a real modern slang word everyone seemed to understand except me.
So if you’ve also paused for a second trying to figure out what BAE actually means, you’re definitely not alone. Here’s the quick answer:
Quick Answer: BAE means “Before Anyone Else.”
It’s a sweet, affectionate, flirty way to refer to your partner, crush, or someone you love a lot.
🧠What Does BAE Mean in Text?
BAE stands for “Before Anyone Else.”
It’s used as a cute nickname for someone special—usually a boyfriend, girlfriend, spouse, or a romantic crush. Sometimes, people also use it jokingly for close friends, pets, or even food they love (“pizza is bae” 🍕).
Example sentence:
“Can’t wait to see you tonight, bae 💞.”
In short: BAE = Before Anyone Else = a romantic or affectionate nickname for someone special.
📱Where Is BAE Commonly Used?
You’ll see BAE all over the internet and casual chats, especially on:
- 💬 Text messages
- 👻 Snapchat
- 📱 Instagram captions
- 🎵 TikTok comments
- 🧵 Twitter/X posts
- 🎮 Gaming chats
- 😍 Memes & flirty messages
Tone:
BAE is casual, affectionate, and flirty — not formal.
You shouldn’t use it in professional messages, emails, or any serious conversation.
💬Examples of BAE in Conversation
Here are realistic chat-style examples:
1
A: u coming tonight?
B: yup bae, on my way 😘
2
A: morninggg
B: good morning bae ☀️💛
3
A: i miss u
B: same bae 😩❤️
4
A: look at this dog 😂
B: omg sooo cute, but ur still my bae tho 🐶💕
5
A: what u doing?
B: talking to my bae 😌
6
A: bring food pls
B: anything for u bae 🍟💗
7
A: who u texting lol
B: my bae… don’t worry 😆
🕓When to Use and When Not to Use BAE
✅ When to Use BAE
Use “bae” when you want to sound:
- Flirty or romantic
- Cute and affectionate
- Playful
- Casual and friendly
- Talking to someone close
- Posting a couple pic or romantic caption
❌ When NOT to Use BAE
Avoid “bae” in:
- Professional or work chats
- School assignments
- Formal emails
- Serious conversations
- When talking to someone who dislikes slang
- When you aren’t close enough for pet names (can feel awkward)
Comparison Table
| Context | Example Phrase | Why It Works |
|---|---|---|
| Friend Chat | “hanging with my bae tonight 😄” | Cute & casual |
| Work Chat | “I’ll send the file soon.” | Professional & clear |
| “Please review the attached file.” | Formal & appropriate |
🔄Similar Slang Words or Alternatives
| Slang | Meaning | When to Use |
|---|---|---|
| Boo | Romantic nickname | Cute or flirty chats |
| Baby/Babe | Affectionate term for partner | Romantic relationships |
| Honey | Sweet, loving nickname | Couples or close partners |
| Hubby/Wifey | Husband/wife style nicknames | Long-term or committed relationships |
| Love | Sweet, gentle nickname | British/soft affectionate tone |
| My Person | Someone special to you | Deep emotional connection |
❓FAQs
1. Is BAE the same as babe?
Almost! Babe is a classic romantic nickname, while BAE is a modern slang version meaning “Before Anyone Else.”
2. Is BAE always romantic?
Mostly yes — but it can also be used jokingly for friends, pets, or things you love (like “coffee is bae”).
3. Is BAE cringe now?
Not really. It’s still commonly used on TikTok, Instagram, and texting, especially among teens and young adults.
4. Who started using BAE?
The term became popular in early 2010s on Twitter and Vine and then spread into mainstream culture.
5. Is BAE formal?
No. Never use it in emails, work messages, or formal conversations.
6. Can a girl call a guy BAE?
Yes! Anyone can use it for anyone they care about.
