Vocabulary Lesson: Bae

Bae is a popular word used by Young People. When used by Young People, it means "babe" or "baby," and is meant as a romantic gesture. (There is some thought that it is an acronym and stands for Before Anyone Else, but this is erroneous.)

Per Time: "...Today bae is used as a term of endearment, often referring to your boyfriend or girlfriend. Or perhaps a prospect who might one day hold such a lofty position."

The word has been around for years, but was popularized by Pharrell, who released the single "Come Get It Bae" in June:



And now white people are co-opting the word, and frankly, looking kind of stupid.

As for how to use it in conversation, Time recommends:

A good rule of thumb for now at least: if you would use the words boo or babe in some circumstance, you can probably use bae.

But if you have to ask, you shouldn't make an attempt. And Michael Che agrees:

Additional Lessons:
This Is What Bae Means, Time
Bae, Urban Dictionary