Badman: meaning, definitions and examples

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badman

 

[ ˈbædˌmæn ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

person, behavior

A 'badman' refers to an individual who predominantly exhibits negative or rebellious behavior, often associated with criminality or defiance against societal norms. This term is commonly used in various cultural contexts, especially within music and street slang. In broader terms, a badman is often seen as someone who embodies toughness or assertiveness, sometimes with an underlying sense of charisma. While the term may carry a sense of admiration in certain circles, it usually implies an engagement in morally questionable activities.

Synonyms

criminal, miscreant, rogue, villain

Examples of usage

  • He's known as a badman in the neighborhood.
  • The movie featured a badman who challenged the law.
  • Despite being a badman, he had loyal friends.
  • The rapper's lyrics often depict him as a badman.

Translations

Translations of the word "badman" in other languages:

🇵🇹 mau homem

🇮🇳 बुरा आदमी

🇩🇪 schlechter Mann

🇮🇩 pria jahat

🇺🇦 поганий чоловік

🇵🇱 zły człowiek

🇯🇵 悪い男

🇫🇷 mauvais homme

🇪🇸 mal hombre

🇹🇷 kötü adam

🇰🇷 나쁜 남자

🇸🇦 رجل سيء

🇨🇿 špatný muž

🇸🇰 zlý muž

🇨🇳 坏人

🇸🇮 slab človek

🇮🇸 vondur maður

🇰🇿 жаман адам

🇬🇪 ცუდი კაცი

🇦🇿 pis adam

🇲🇽 malo hombre

Etymology

The term 'badman' has its origins in the fusion of the words 'bad' and 'man,' which have been part of the English lexicon for centuries. The word 'bad' has Old English roots, where it was initially used to mean 'evil' or 'wicked.' As time progressed, particularly in the 20th century, 'bad' underwent a transformation in culture, signifying something that was cool or admirable in certain contexts, especially in African American Vernacular English. The addition of 'man' further personalized the term, making it not just a descriptor of behavior, but also an identifier of character. Its usage has been heavily influenced by hip-hop culture, where a 'badman' is often portrayed as a figure of toughness and resilience, though not without a complex moral underpinning.