The word "bae" is a colloquial term commonly used to refer to a significant other or a person you are romantically interested in. It is often used as a term of endearment, similar to "baby," "love," or "sweetheart." The term has gained popularity particularly among younger generations in social media and casual conversation.
The term "bae" is believed to have originated in the early 2000s, drawing from the word "babe." It gained further traction through social media platforms, especially Twitter and Instagram. Some sources suggest that "bae" is an acronym for "before anyone else," although this claim is somewhat debated among linguists.