One word that I've noticed this generation throws around a lot is "basic." According to Google, "basic" simply means "the essential facts or principles of a subject or a skill." However, today, "basic" is used to describe someone who follows the latest trends or likes the most popular movie, artist or song at a given time. For example, girls who love to drink Starbucks, wear North Face jackets or takes selfies with the dog filter on Snapchat are considered basic.

There is also this negative connotation that accompanies being called basic. I've seen people use it as an insult, and I've seen people genuinely feel hurt by being that word.

Personally, I hate the word and this generations slang meaning behind it. I think we can all agree that sometimes, life can be hard. If you're in college, you're constantly worrying about your classes, grades, and deadlines, while also trying to maintain a social life or even juggle a job. If you're married and/or have a family, you have to worry about paying your bills, your career, kids etc. Point blank, everyone everywhere has a plethora of things that are begging for their attention or are weighing them down. If they find a simple joy out of drinking Starbucks or decorating for Halloween on the first of September, let them. There is absolutely no harm is enjoying things that are popular and you're definitely not "edgy" or unique if you decide to go against the status quo.

Now, I know what you all are thinking: it's not that deep. "Basic" is literally just a word. And you're right. In the grand scheme of things, it is just a word and a couple years down the road, it'll be replaced by some other slang word. But as I said before, it's the meaning behind the word that doesn't sit right with me and to me, that's "deep."

I want you to take a minute and think about something - how many times have you wanted to do something, but didn't because you were scared of being considered basic? If your answer is zero, then good for you. Really, I'm proud. There's zero sarcasm weaved into that statement. But if you're like me, and have a tendency to pay heavy attention to what people think about you, then your answer to that question is definitely above zero.

All I have to ask is, why? Why do we continue to let other people and the phenomenon of what's popular and what isn't dictate our lives?

Here's what I say: be basic and own it. If you think Starbucks has the greatest coffee known demand, go ahead, order a drink and drink it proudly. If decorating for Halloween early makes you happy, then decorate your little heart out. If you feel most confident with that dog filter on your face, post that selfie!

Live your life...and be basic.