The word/insult/adjective “basic” is thrown around a lot, especially towards sorority girls. From drinks to clothes to even things we say, everything is constantly dubbed “basic.” But really, what is basic? Let’s break down a few objects and see that, in reality, they aren’t basic at all.
Pumpkin spice anything
Ah, the pinnacle of the fall season. The taste of October and November. And, according to some, the essence of “basic” on autumn. But honestly, who doesn’t like a good pumpkin spice latte? Is it that basic to like pumpkin muffins, pumpkin candles, or anything pumpkin spice? No. Just because you’re jealous that “basic” girls have the funds and self-love to treat themselves to a PSL once a week doesn’t mean you get to make fun of us for it. They’re delicious. Get over it.
The word “literally”
Putting aside the fact that many people use this phrase wrong, using “literally” in a sentence or two (or, sometimes, every sentence) does not a basic person make. It’s a colloquial trend lately, used to emphasize the moment. Or, maybe we’re just channeling our inner Chris Traeger (cue finger points). Either way, you can literally shut up about the word literally.
Leggings/Norts and big T-Shirts
Rolling out of bed and getting to put on an outfit almost exactly like the one you just slept in is a luxury that is not basic, but simply practical. Why wouldn’t we wear the comfiest things in our closets or look like we’re going to the gym when we’re really just heading to Chick-fil-A for lunch? Add in some Chacos in the summer, Uggs in the winter, or some Hunter boots when it’s rainy, and you’ve got the best outfit ever. One more time for the ones in the back: THEY’RE COMFORTABLE.
Saying abbreviations in everyday conversations
We text them, we’ve grown up with them, and we all know what they mean. So saying “LOL” or “JK” in common speech really isn’t that weird or basic. It makes us sound more casual, more laid back around our friends, and no, we don’t use it when talking to people we want to impress. And TBH, you probably do it too without realizing it. So just let us “LOL” a little bit, thanks.
Liking Taylor Swift
We’ve loved her since her country phase, tolerated her through the whiney boy-crazed phase, and now worship her in all her sassy, powerful glory. Her Instagram is hilarious, her friendship with Ellen DeGeneres is #friendshipgoals, and her concerts are incredible and life changing. T-Swizzle is a queen, and if loving her means we’re basic and wrong, we don’t want to be right.
We’re loving the #basiclife in all its Starbucks-filled, legging-loving glory. It’s like what they say: once you go basic, you never go back…right?
