Are you looking for a uniquely New York way to call a woman or girl a hoe or a slut? Then, "baba" is the way to go. Be warned, though, because this slang term has multiple alternative meanings and remains obscure outside of New York.
Learn more about the meaning and origin of the slang word baba below.
Meaning
The New York slang word "baba", which serves as a noun, is an insulting way to address or talk about a woman or a girl. It is synonymous with the much more widely-used insults "hoe" and "slut".
While the slang word baba points to sexual promiscuity, the word is meant to be offensive, and not necessarily an accurate descriptor.
It is, however, very important to be aware that the "baba" is widely used with very different meanings as well, among which are:
- Baba means "father" in many different languages (including Arabic, Hebrew, and Indian languages), and in this context, the word can also be used to denote a male spiritual leader.
- Baba means "grandmother" in many Slavic languages. In this context, the word can also be used to describe any woman of "grandmother" age.
- There's also a type of spongecake called baba.
Example Usage
Are you curious about the ways in which someone might use the New York slang term baba, meaning "hoe" in practice? Take a look at these examples:
- Stay away from that one bro, she's a baba.
- Oh, that baba? I don't hang out with her.
- She's had like 10 different boyfriends in the last month. She's a baba.
- That ain't my girlfriend, that's just some baba.
Origin
Baba, as a slang expression that means "hoe", originates from New York. It is not clear how long the word baba has been in use there with this meaning, but the first Urban Dictionary entry defining baba as such dates from 2017, and YouTube videos defining the word have been posted after this. It appears that the term became somewhat better known on the internet after young rappers from New York, and especially Brooklyn, used the word in their songs and videos.
However, it does have to be said that "baba" is not a commonly used slang word, especially outside of New York. People are far more likely to be familiar with "baba" as meaning either father or grandmother, and sometimes even baby.
Words Similar to Baba
Words that convey a similar meaning and vibe as baba would include:
- Hoe
- Slut
- THOT ("that hoe over there")
- Sket
Words Opposite to Baba
As "baba" is an insulting way to talk about a woman or girl, slang terms with opposite meanings could include "Queen" or "bae".
What Is the Correct Saying?
"Baba", as an insulting way to describe a woman or girl by suggesting that she is sexually promiscuous.
Ways People May Say Baba Incorrectly
"Baba" is one of those primal sounds — across the world, "ba" is among the first syllables that infants will utter. As such, it is not surprising that the word "baba" has come to mean father, grandmother, and baby in different languages. As a result of immigration, all of these meanings have been imported to the United States and other English-speaking countries.
The New York version of "baba", meaning "hoe", remains confined to a small geographical area — and anyone who decides to use it, especially if they are not part of a certain New York subculture, risks being misunderstood grossly. There are, therefore, numerous ways to use "baba" incorrectly.
Acceptable Ways to Phrase Baba
Should you be willing to offend someone on purpose, you can use "baba", in Brooklyn or on the internet in a setting that's familiar with this meaning of the word "baba", to call a girl or a woman a "hoe". This derogatory slang word can be used for direct name calling, or to gossip about someone behind her back.