Big Bad

Synonyms:	major villain, main antagonist
See also:	Little Bad
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Big Bad is a term that originated in Buffy the Vampire Slayer to describe a major villain, usually the most powerful one during the season arc.

A related term, Little Bad was coined by the Spoiler Slayer website to refer to certain characters in Buffy the Vampire Slayer who are introduced as main villains before being replaced by the Big Bad later in the season. It is not in particularly common usage, especially when compared to Big Bad. Unlike the Little Bad, the Big Bad isn't simply an adversary for the protagonists. It has to be the biggest, baddest they have ever faced.

For the list of Big Bads in Buffy, check List of Buffy the Vampire Slayer Characters.

Since Buffy, the term has been used in other shows at one time or another (In Birds of Prey and in Stargate SG-1 movie The Ark of Truth amongst others)