Every generation has its own distinctive slang borne of pop culture, media and other elements relevant to the time frame in question. Today's teens have a much broader base from which to draw their lingo than those of the past, potentially creating a vast black hole in the minds of those attempting to figure out just what the youngsters are talking about these days. Among those newly coined terms taking the country by storm is "bae".

You can't enter a store, log on to social media, flip on the television or even have a normal conversation without hearing the word, but What exactly does Bae mean? It seems this particular term sprang forth online with Twitter being the most commonly credited origin. Like a considerable portion of the language used by teens and young adults at this point in time, it's an acronym. Its specific verbal foundation is "Before Anyone Else", what would've once been considered "da bomb" in the eyes of those currently 30 and 40 years old.

Though it sounds straightforward enough, like most aspects of youth, the situation gets more convoluted from here. At first glance, you might think bae would refer to a boyfriend or girlfriend. It certainly can be used as a noun to suggest the love of one's life; a friend might invite you to lunch, so you can new internet slang for the first time. This compressed but complicated little word can also have an array of other meanings.

If the meal you have while meeting this friend's latest love interest is notably enjoyable, the food itself might be more bae than the new beau. In this instance, the term would be more of an adjective, which is also completely acceptable. In general, this word can be used to signify whatever may be important to the speaker at the moment. One's all-time favorite book might be bae; likewise, the person said book is being described to could be bae.

Those wondering what does bae mean need not be too concerned over using the term improperly in the company of others. This is a highly flexible word, and its meaning differs from one person to another. Relax, snuggle up to your bae, watch the latest box office release deemed bae in the eyes of critics and order a pizza from the most bae restaurant in town. Whether as a noun, adjective or both, this term quickly reaching stardom among teens may be old news before long. Until that time, use it freely and as often as conversation seems to warrant.