BAMF

Synonyms:	GQMF
See also:	snikt!, HBIC, !
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BAMF is an acronym for Bad Ass Mother Fucker.

It is often used to describe a certain way of writing a character that emphasizes their badass qualities: for instance, Alicambs' Sherlock Recs for BBC Sherlock fandom features a section specifically for "BAMF!John" stories. Another recs post by hoodie-time in Supernatural fandom is entitled a trio of BAMF!Cas fic recs (Dean/Castiel and gen). The Marvel fandom features several works using the tag BAMF Bucky Barnes

Fans of the X-Men may also know bamf! as the sound effect that accompanies Nightcrawler's teleporting.

It is a commonly used term in freeform tags, often to signify a certain style of characterisation (often based on fanon) for specific characters. Characters who are commonly tagged with this on Archive of Our Own include:

• Midoriya Izuku from Boku no Hero Academia
• Tony Stark and Peter Parker from the Marvel Cinematic Universe
• Harry Potter and Hermione Granger from Harry Potter
• Stiles Stilinski from Teen Wolf

Some fans specifically seek out "BAMF (Character)" tags, especially those who prefer the fandom characterisation and story-lines for the individual characters. On social media spaces like Tumblr and Reddit, rec lists for "BAMF (Character)" have been compiled and readers might request recs from others fitting that style of character.

Other fans find that the tag tends to be associated with a type of characterisation or fic that does not appeal to them, so use the tag to avoid fics. Other fans have also discussed that fandom-to-fandom the use can differ slightly: in some fandoms the tag is predominantly used for characters who would not typically fit the 'badass character' style, so the modifier is used to signify a deviation from canon characterisation, whereas in others the tag is used for characters who would likely already be considered a 'badass character' anyway, but is an emphasis that the fic will focus on that type of behaviour.

Fan Commentary

Examples Wanted: Editors are encouraged to add more examples or a wider variety of examples.

[anninterested ]

I think that depends actually, maybe you stumbled upon badly done BAMF, because from what I've seen (and why I LOVE it) it doesn't usually refer to the character's entire personality and more to a situation/s that require them to act in the BAMF way. Like, BAMF (character's name) is actually also gentle, quiet, awkward etc. but they have a switch when there's danger nearby (or like when their loved one is in danger) and go all BAMF to protect themselves/ help the love interest

it's also used a lot for the fandom i'm in even though it's obvious that the characters are badass (they canonically are lol), BUT when the tag is used it's usually specifically to indicate that there will be some situation in which they will act all BAMF (basically it lets me know that there will be some badass action scene/ rescue mission, stuff like that)

[danae__b]

This is more what I thought BAMF meant. A character is driven to act outside of whatever their norm is, doing something that might be considered 'badass' to save themselves or someone they care for. I haven't gone looking for it in maybe six years now, so I guess it's always possible the meaning has changed.

[ImJustSomeGuyYaKnow]
This, it's similar to "bravery isn't the lack of fear, it's the ability to act despite it" I think. Imho, the most badass people are deeply flawed, but overcome those flaws because it is the right thing to do/people need them to. (underdog stories!)

Discussions

• Unpopular opinion: I hate 'BAMF' character portrayals, r/FanFiction, February 2024
• Have you ever tagged a fic with "BAMF [Character]"?, r/FanFiction, September 2023

Example Rec Lists

• Give me your favorite BAMF Sansa fics, especially future knowledge types, r/TheCitadel, Reddit, February 2022
• Hi do you know any bamf!stiles fics?, christinesficrecs, Tumblr, February 2020
• Fic Rec - BAMF Hermione!, r/Dramione, January 2022