Basic

adjective

ba·sic \ˈbā-sik also -zik\

Forming or relating to the most important part of something, the forming or relating to the first or easiest part of something, not including anything extra.

This is the Merriam-Webster definition of the term "basic" that has swept the nation up into a storm. We see things like #Basic or #BasicWhiteGirl on social media platforms such as Twitter and Instagram all the time, but what does it mean? I have been called a "BWG" or "Basic White Girl" by many different people, and I had used the term "basic" as well. Was I "Basic?" We all have some vague concept of what it is to be "basic," but I took off looking for what other's interpreted this terminology as by going to a college student's most trusted form of dictionary when we don't understand something in modern day. You guessed it, Urban Dictionary.

UB defines "Basic" as: An adjective used to describe any person, place, activity involving obscenely obvious behavior, dress, action. Unsophisticated. Transparent motives.

Another definition was 1. Used to describe someone devoid of defining characteristics that might make a person interesting, extraordinary, or just simply worth devoting time or attention to. 2. Lacking intelligence and unable to socialize on even an elementary level. 3. Annoyingly frustrating because of the above.

With this definition, I was sure that I was sure that I couldn't be defined as "Basic," even though I have had friends tell me I was. So my next step, BuzzFeed quizzes. They had never let me down before, so when I took the quiz I was surprised by the conclusion of Basic, again. I mean, I'm not basic......

I am not basic… But I own three pairs of the same black leggings, just in case.

I am not basic... But one week, I ordered twelve pumpkin spice lattes.

I am not basic… But I have a Pinterest board dedicated to inspirational quotes that I never look at again.

I am not basic… But I have a Pinterest board dedicated to the wedding I’m going to eventually have… even though I’m single.

I am not basic… But my bed is bae. Coffee is back-up bae. Pizza is the rebound bae.

I am not basic… But I can quote "Gossip Girl," seasons 1 through 6, perfectly.

I am not basic… But I have tried a juice cleanse… that didn’t work out too well when I saw the Commons had Chocolate Cheesecake.

I am not basic… But Tyler Oakley is Queen.

I am not basic… But I collect socks. Knee high, thigh high, fuzzy, athletic; I have them all.

I am not basic… But Uggs are the best.

I am not basic… But EOS lip balm is the best thing ever!

I am not basic… But my favorite thing about fall is sweater weather.

I am not basic… But Nutella is a way of life.

I am not basic… But if you don’t know where I am, check Fro-Yo, Starbucks, or Target.

I am not basic… But I Instagram pictures of my Starbucks orders.

I am not basic… But I want a tattoo on my foot of an overused quote.

I am not basic…. But Star-Baes, not Starbucks. Ew.

I am not basic… But “if you’re a bird, I’m a bird” gets me every time.

I am not basic… But the sassy emoji will always be my most used.

I am not basic… But I shorten words and use their acronyms.

I am not basic… But I use the word hashtag IRL.

I am not basic… But #ICantEven

I am not basic… But “Can I have a Skinny Vanilla latte with extra chi, soy milk, and chocolate sprinkles, please?”

I am not basic… But if I walk past Bath & Body Works, I’m going to come out with three candles, four bottles of lotion, a body spray, and five hand sanitizers.

I am not basic… But “OMG, I LOVE THIS SONG!”

I am not basic… But Target is magical place where dreams come true.

Through this self evaluation I had So what was the point? Who cares? Who cares if my Starbucks order is obnoxious or if I wear leggings, THEY’RE COMFORTABLE and espresso makes the world a better place. People label people; it has been that way since people became people. Sometimes labels are positive, sometimes they're negative, and sometimes they are created through the exponential growth of social media in our lives.

Basic, is just one f many terms used out there, but do you want to know what I think? Just embrace the Basicness! We aren't just one thing. I am not "just basic," I am a sister, a best friend, a straight A student, a nerd, an environmentalist, and Beyonce's twin when I'm in the shower. You do you, and don't let the labels hold you do.

Get down with your basic self!