Why are kids using the term BDE in chats and what does it mean?

[Asya]

I’ve noticed my child and their friends using “BDE” in conversations, and I’m a bit confused about what they mean by it. Can someone explain what BDE stands for and in what situations it’s usually used? I just want to better understand current slang so I can keep up with how kids communicate online and make sure everything is appropriate.

 

[jamesbolt]

“BDE” stands for “Big Energy” (often interpreted as confidence or a calm, self-assured vibe). Kids use it in chats to describe someone who seems effortlessly confident or cool without trying too hard. It’s usually meant positively, referring to attitude and presence rather than anything literal or inappropriate.

 

[Marvel]

BDE is short, Big Energy, commonly employed to refer to a person who is confident, calm and self-assured. Children freely use it in conversations or social media to flatter other people. Although it is not necessarily inappropriate, the word had adult connotations in its beginning. The parents ought to learn the situation and explain to the children how to speak in a respectful manner so that they can use slang in the right context without a wrong interpretation or child language that they might not be able to understand.

 

[tylerhoward]

Kids use “BDE” (Big Energy) in chats to describe someone who appears confident, calm, and self-assured without trying too hard. It’s often used humorously or casually on platforms like Snapchat and Instagram. The term doesn’t always have a negative meaning, but parents should understand context, as slang evolves quickly and can sometimes carry inappropriate undertones depending on usage.