The Word badass

There are many occasions in the English language where a term of disparagement has been turned around to be thought of as a compliment. Usually these represent differences of opinion between different sectors of society and, in the case of 'badass', it would originally have been the older generation calling certain people of a younger generation a 'badass' (meaning someone who has no respect for the older generation). The younger generation have turned this round into being a compliment because they feel that not showing respect for the older generation is something to be proud of. (It is more complicated than this, of course, but I'm sure you understand what I mean.) The term 'badass' is not universally recognised as a compliment. I would still tend to use it in a pejorative sense of someone young who was, perhaps, a rebel for rebellion's sake. There is nothing good about rebelling merely for the sake of it and without having something specific to rebel against. In the 17th century there was a religious society called the Religious Society of Friends. The members were often so devout and uplifted in their meetings that, it was said, they shook or 'quaked' as they prayed. Their enemies and detractors therefore called them 'Quakers'. Although the society's official name is still 'The Religious Society of Friends', they often refer to themselves with pride as 'Quakers'.

A very startling question. I wish I knew the right answer. But my wild guess is it"s like genetics. The negative trait plus a negative trait equals a positive outcome. Happy New Year.