Being basic is just a way to say that you rock the latest trends and enjoy popular, mainstream things, from the shows you watch to the music you listen to. Everyone is a little bit basic, and there’s nothing wrong with that! After all, basic things are popular for a reason!
If you’re curious about where you fall on the basic scale (Utterly unconventional? Or noticeably normal?), you’ve come to the right place. Click "Start Quiz" to discover just how basic you really are.
Questions Overview
- A reality show (Love is Blind, The Bachelor, etc).
- A popular sitcom (Modern Family, Abbott Elementary, etc).
- A drama (Suits, Outer Banks, etc).
- A fantasy show (Game of Thrones, Stranger Things, etc).
- On-trend and stylish
- Casual and comfortable
- Timeless and tailored
- Bold and eye-catching
- A hamburger and fries
- Lasagna and a side salad
- Fish tacos and chips
- Oysters
- Hawaii
- France
- New Zealand
- Antarctica
- A pop culture podcast that does celeb interviews.
- A podcast that discusses your favorite movie, TV show, or game.
- A book on tape from a bestselling author.
- A podcast on personality psychology or a niche historical event.
- Something currently on Billboard Hot 100.
- Something old, but really famous (like classic rock, for example).
- Something from my favorite indie playlist—maybe Phoebe Bridgers or Hozier!
- Something I’m positive no one here would’ve heard (like an artist with 1k monthly listeners).
- An iced coffee or diet Coke
- A cappuccino or a root beer
- A nice cup of tea
- Cranberry or pomegranate juice
- Flying
- Super speed or strength
- Invisibility
- The ability to stop time or control the weather
- Watching TikTok or gaming.
- Watching TV or a movie.
- Drawing, playing an instrument, working out, or baking.
- Doing a hobby that none of my friends do (like needlepoint, archery, or beekeeping).
- I’m active on every platform, and I post constantly about my life. Why not? It’s fun!
- I have a TikTok/IG/BeReal/Twitter, and I post a normal amount.
- I don’t use social media.
- I have an account dedicated to a niche interest, like cosplaying or Greek mythology, and post only about that.
- Good vibes only
- Not all who wander are lost
- Welcome to our beautiful chaos
- This must be the place
- A cat or a dog
- A bird or a bunny
- A rat or a frog
- A python, pig, tarantula, or duck
More Quizzes
What Does “Basic” Mean?
Basic is a slang term that typically describes someone or something as mainstream, conventional, and unoriginal. Some people might see basic as a negative or use it to describe people and things as boring, but know there’s nothing wrong with being basic or enjoying basic things! You still have a unique personality and interests even if you like what’s popular. Plus, basic things are popular for a reason—they’re universally loved and fun.
Basic Examples
Basic is often (unfairly) associated with women or more feminine interests. However, any person of any gender can be basic. In the same way that popular, feminine-leaning interests are considered basic, popular, masculine-leaning ones can be basic too. And again, the most important takeaway is that there’s nothing wrong with being basic. Here are some popular activities associated with the term "basic:"
- Drinking pumpkin spice lattes
- Following popular clothing trends
- Listening to pop music or songs in the Top 40
- Taking selfies
- Watching reality TV
- Decorating your home with items from big-box stores, like Target
- Getting a popular tattoo, like a quote, lion, flower, or snake
Basic Origins
Basic is African American Vernacular English (AAVE) slang that means someone is unoriginal, a follower, or lacks an “It” factor. It was popularized by Klymaxx’s 1984 song called Meeting in the Ladies’ Room. In 2011, the singer Kreayshawn made basic a pop culture staple with her song called Gucci Gucci. As basic gained more popularity in the 2010s, it slowly morphed to describe people and things that are mainstream.
Want to learn more?
For more information about popular things and what it means to be basic, check out these guides below:
You Might Also Like
Reader Success Stories
-
"Definitely me! My favourite singer (and celebrity crush) is someone nobody outside his native land has even heard of."..." more