Ever scrolled through social media and seen someone praised for having “BDE”? Maybe a celebrity interview dropped it casually, or your friend texted it in a group chat—and you wondered what it really means. Let’s clear that up! The term “BDE” might sound mysterious, but it’s actually all about a certain energy—one that’s more about attitude than appearance.
So, What Does BDE Mean?
“BDE” stands for Big D* Energy**—and no, it’s not as explicit as it sounds. The phrase refers to a quiet, effortless confidence that doesn’t need to be shown off. Someone with BDE walks into a room, stays calm, and instantly gives off a vibe of self-assurance. It’s not arrogance—it’s cool composure.
The term first went viral in 2018, after fans on Twitter started using it to describe the late actor Anthony Bourdain and later Pete Davidson. People weren’t talking about looks or wealth—they meant that these figures exuded a natural self-confidence that drew others in.
In short: BDE = humble confidence + self-assured charm.
The Origin Story: From Internet Slang to Pop Culture
The phrase “Big D*** Energy” exploded into online culture practically overnight.
Here’s how it happened:
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June 2018 – A viral tweet praised Bourdain for having “unspoken coolness.” Soon after, fans said Pete Davidson had “BDE,” sparking endless memes and think pieces.
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Celebrities joined in. Ariana Grande, Davidson’s then-girlfriend, referenced it jokingly, which only fueled the trend.
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Media outlets picked it up. From The New York Times to Rolling Stone, everyone was decoding what BDE meant—and whether they had it.
Did You Know?
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BDE is considered a gender-neutral compliment. Anyone—regardless of gender—can have it.
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Similar phrases have popped up, like Big CEO Energy or Main Character Energy, showing how language evolves online.
What Does Having BDE Look Like?
You might be wondering: “Okay, but how do I know if someone has BDE?”
Here are some telltale signs:
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They don’t brag—they just are.
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They’re comfortable in their skin.
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They treat people kindly and don’t compete for attention.
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They’re confident enough to laugh at themselves.
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They don’t need to prove anything.
It’s the kind of presence that says, “I know who I am, and I’m good with that.”
Why People Love Talking About It
BDE became so popular because it flips traditional ideas about confidence. Instead of loud, macho posturing, it celebrates quiet power.
That’s a refreshing change in a world full of filters, flexing, and “look at me” energy. BDE celebrates authentic confidence—the kind that doesn’t need external validation.
Plus, it’s funny and relatable. Using slang like “BDE” gives people a shorthand way to describe a universal human quality: calm self-assurance.
Mini Q&A
Q: Can women have BDE?
Absolutely. Think Zendaya, Rihanna, or Michelle Obama. BDE transcends gender—it’s about how you carry yourself.
Q: Is BDE the same as arrogance?
Not at all. Arrogance is loud and insecure; BDE is quiet and secure. It’s confidence without ego.
My Take on BDE
Personally, I love what BDE represents. It’s confidence without the need for performance. I’ve met people who radiate it—not because they’re the loudest in the room, but because they’re the most comfortable being themselves.
That kind of energy makes everyone around them feel at ease, too. Maybe that’s why BDE caught on—it’s not about showing off, it’s about showing up.
Confidence comes in many forms, but few have captured the internet’s imagination quite like BDE. It’s become shorthand for self-assurance, charm, and grace—all rolled into one.
So next time you see someone described as having BDE, you’ll know it’s a compliment rooted in quiet strength. Who knows—you might even have some of it yourself.
Do you think BDE is something people are born with, or can anyone develop it?