It’s been a few years since slang evolved to include the word “basic.” If you’re a little behind the times, we’ll help you catch up: “basic” refers to girls, usually Caucasian ones, who follow internet fashions and trends without discernment.
“Basic” girls love leggings and pumpkin spice lattes, duck face selfies, and binging on Netflix shows. Since the term came around, the internet has taken off with jokes about basic girls and their likes and dislikes. Essentially, if you’re basic, you might not be a super interesting person (sorry!).
But the fact remains: we all know plenty of basic girls who flood our social media pages with selfies and statuses with #blessed. Now, comedian Ashley Hesseltine is capitalizing on the trend with an Instagram page called “Bros Being Basic.” Hesseltine recruited all her male friends to recreate some “basic white girl” social media trends, and they delivered.
“The reaction has been nothing but positive,” said Hesseltine. “It almost feels more like paying homage to women instead of mocking them. I’m a female and a feminist, so I’m naturally able to create content that’s not going to be offensive to women, and on top of that, our awesome female followers are able to laugh at themselves and their own “basic” tendencies. Parodies done in the right way are always funny, and the content is relatable to both sexes. And at the end of the day, a lot of the content isn’t even guys mocking girls — it’s them being themselves. Guys can be JUST as basic and thirsty as girls on Insta!”
1. He’s embracing all the stereotypes head-on.
This bro has jumped into the basic trends with both feet. Not only does he have about a million scarves on, but he’s also ready to do whatever basic boys do with his Uggs, Netflix, Starbucks coffee, and an adorable tiny dog. Hopefully, the two of them have the same taste in shows.
2. The vodka complements the taste of disappointing bread.
Look at this amazing guy. He hasn’t had a single bite of gluten in a week, so he’s now a total health guru. You can tell by his belly shirt, yoga pants, and expression of total harmony. Just ignore that giant bottle of Smirnoff vodka sitting on his yoga mat.
There’s nothing like being surrounded by your best basic bros on your big day. They’re all wearing their matching suits and clutching their bouquets as the groom-to-be shows off his wedding band. Sure, the groom’s beard could use a comb, but don’t worry: his bro of honor will have his back.
Every basic bro knows that there’s a list of things to do when you check into your hotel room. First, hop in the shower for a little bit of self-care — don’t forget to moisturize afterward. Second, sit on the bed and take a mirror selfie. Bonus points for a flash of thigh.
If a bro goes out on a boating adventure with all his besties, it has to be documented, preferably with an adorable group photo. Choose your pose carefully, because all your followers will see it. You can’t go wrong with heart hands, a lake sunset, and an adorable canine friend.
Life is hard for the basic bro who loves his carb loading and his washboard abs. He just has to tell himself that every slice of pizza equals an hour at the gym. On the bright side, he’ll have more opportunities for adorable gym selfies to upload to his Insta account!
The haters can say whatever they want, but he really connected when he went to that yoga class last Saturday. He’ll probably get more flexible if he keeps wearing his yoga pants, doing lots of stretches at the beach as often as possible, and uploading cute pictures to Instagram.
These basic bros know that dating can be super hard, but that doesn’t mean they don’t still need self-care. Who needs a girlfriend when you’ve got your best bro at your side? Just go crazy and take that couples’ weekend, drink champagne, walk on the beach, and get a romantic massage.
In spite of countless hours at the gym and tons of Tinder dates, goals don’t come easily for every basic bro. If life were fair, we’d all be hanging out in our flowered kimonos on the beach and drinking mimosas while waiting for our soul mates to come along. Wait a second, that’s a perfect idea.
After a long, hard day at work, a basic bro knows that he needs some me time. That means its time to break out the sangria, pumpkin spice candles, bubble bath, and cucumbers. The cucumbers are in the fridge for beauty purposes, not for putting in a salad. Salad is gross.
There’s a fine line between being a basic bro and a basic b***h, but every bro knows that he’s got a little bit of both. But you know that you can’t break out the crazy right away. Every new relationship needs to be eased into that side of you.
12. If you don’t take a group shot, did you even go on vacation?
A sunny weekend in Miami with all your best bro friends? You know you have to take a killer group photo to document the experience. For the best results, everyone should be in cute bathing suits and posing adorably in the surf. You’ll get tons of Instagram follows for that.
Here’s a different option for your weekend out with all the bros. Hopefully, everyone is wearing sunglasses and a Speedo for a super cute result. But make sure you get a dozen different angles because uploading on social media is an absolute must. Don’t be shy about showing off your body, either!
A basic bro is just like anyone else: he has his good days and his bad days. When he’s feeling cute, he has to take a picture to prove it. The best option is to go swimming in the closest lake and strike a mermaid pose that just happens to show off his tattoos.
Here’s yet another option for the group beach photo. But it might take a couple of tries: it’s hard to make sure everyone’s jumping at the same time and everyone’s body is being shown off to perfection. Make sure you’re holding hands. Bros always hold hands in their beach photos.
16. Because autumn is the perfect time of the year.
Basic bros love autumn. Not only is it the time for pumpkin spice EVERYTHING, but it’s also the season to break out your cutest outfits. It’s the time for Northface jackets, infinity scarves, leggings, and of course, Uggs. Set it all off with a pumpkin spice latte and you’re good to go.
If you’re about to drop some hot gossip about your latest Tinder date, there’s only one thing to do. Get all your besties together to have a spa day. No getting dressed afterward: you’re all going to sit around in your towels and day drink while you talk about Ryan’s crazy weekend.
In most places, there are laws against hanging out naked in public. But that doesn’t apply to Instagram pictures taken post-breakup on your balcony. After a long, hard self-examination (and a shower), basic bros never put their clothes back on. That’s a time for hanging out in your underwear and taking pictures.
Basic bros spend a LOT of time at the beach — it’s the prime place for taking great photos for social media. Bring along a bro to man the camera, your cutest pink swim trunks, and your best friend. Oh, and the best photos are taken from the back.
20. After hitting the beach, climb into bed in your towels and drink.
When it comes to a bro’s besties, nothing is off limits. Not even sitting together in bed in your towels and drinking. As for that killer overhead shot, just make sure you invite a third bro along to get behind the camera lens. He doesn’t have to be in any pictures.
Going to Coachella is every basic bro’s #lifegoals. But you can’t wear just anything — you have to make sure you’re wearing something that will not only be perfect for your outing but also look amazing in all your pictures. You can’t go wrong with a pair of tattered booty shorts, a camisole, a big floppy hat, and sunglasses. Also, alcohol.
If you’re going to take a gym selfie, make sure that you know what pose to strike. There are only a few that will show off your leggings and T-shirt to the best advantage. A tried and true pose is one leg cocked while playing with your ponytail. Why? We don’t know.
23. Take this exact photo in 10 different European cities.
Taking the time to travel is so important. Travel broadens the mind and opens you to new experiences you could never have imagined. It should also be meticulously documented on social media for maximum likes and follows. Always make sure you have your parka and faded skinny jeans on.
One great option for group photos is the classic butt-grab. After all, if you and your bros are really besties, then nothing is off limits, not even one another’s backsides. Also, always take the opportunity to remove your top, even if it’s zero degrees on that snowy mountain.
Walks in nature are the perfect chance to take a photo that’s going to get tons of likes. You’re surrounded by the beauty of the natural world, so take the opportunity to use it! Get a classic photo from behind, and make sure you look like a free spirit while you do.
Basic bros love to document their time bathing, showering, and practicing self-care. For them, that sometimes means curling into painful stretches while covered in bubbles and blinded by cucumber slices. You’d understand if you were a basic bro, too. Of course, you’ll need to invite a friend into the shower with you to get a picture.
27. I just happened to bring along my swimming boots.
If you’re not a basic bro, you probably have a lot of questions about a photo like this. Why is he sunbathing surrounded by ice, what’s up with that unicorn float, why he is wearing furry boots in the water, and where did he get that glittering Speedo? We’ll just say: if you were basic, you’d understand.
Ideally, this bro would have a pair of adorable sneakers on along with his leggings. But sometimes it’s hard to keep up on a super busy day. A bro’s gotta do what a bro’s gotta do — even if that means wearing his favorite Uggs while he hits the gym for his daily workout.
29. Never waste the opportunity for a duck face selfie.
A basic bro takes every chance to take a selfie, especially if it’s the duck face. Wearing a towel and throwing a peace sign, too? That checks all the boxes when you’re getting ready to hit the town with your bestie. Double points for a photo within a photo.
Some people say that leggings aren’t pants and not meant to go under other clothes. We say those people are just haters. If your clothing isn’t as thin as a piece of tissue, then you’re not really living. And of course, it should show off every contour of your butt for all those Instagram photos taken from behind.
All basic bros are basic, but not all basic bros are extra. If you’re extra, it means you’re dramatic or flamboyant (and if you need that explained, you clearly aren’t on social media). Here’s a visual aid: the combination of animal print pants and an over-the-top pose are the very definition of being extra.
College requires comfy clothes that you can throw on at a moment’s notice before running across campus to class. You’ll need a backpack to keep your hands free for your daily latte. If your T-shirt is long and your shorts are extra short, don’t worry about it. No one will notice.
Being a basic bro requires more strength than you’d think. Specifically, you’ll need to take photos like this: standing on one foot while supporting your bestie on one arm and an entire tree on the other. Just another reason to get that winter bod and keep on being a #gymrat.
There’s a very important reason every basic bro needs to have his phone on him at all times, even on the hiking trail. You never know when you might get a chance to take a perfect photo. And if your crush follows your social media accounts, it’s a great way to send a subtle message.
35. And don’t even think about bringing that parasol!
It might just be a casual picnic, but a basic bro will never pass up the chance to take a killer photo in his cutest romper. Bonus points if he has an odd vintage prop to show off, like a paper parasol. Sure, it doesn’t block any UV rays even a little bit, but it’s super cute.
Guy Takes Photos Mimicking How Girls Act On Instagram, And The Result Is Hilarious
Cedric Jackson
01.08.19
It’s been a few years since slang evolved to include the word “basic.” If you’re a little behind the times, we’ll help you catch up: “basic” refers to girls, usually Caucasian ones, who follow internet fashions and trends without discernment.
“Basic” girls love leggings and pumpkin spice lattes, duck face selfies, and binging on Netflix shows. Since the term came around, the internet has taken off with jokes about basic girls and their likes and dislikes. Essentially, if you’re basic, you might not be a super interesting person (sorry!).
But the fact remains: we all know plenty of basic girls who flood our social media pages with selfies and statuses with #blessed. Now, comedian Ashley Hesseltine is capitalizing on the trend with an Instagram page called “Bros Being Basic.” Hesseltine recruited all her male friends to recreate some “basic white girl” social media trends, and they delivered.
“The reaction has been nothing but positive,” said Hesseltine. “It almost feels more like paying homage to women instead of mocking them. I’m a female and a feminist, so I’m naturally able to create content that’s not going to be offensive to women, and on top of that, our awesome female followers are able to laugh at themselves and their own “basic” tendencies. Parodies done in the right way are always funny, and the content is relatable to both sexes. And at the end of the day, a lot of the content isn’t even guys mocking girls — it’s them being themselves. Guys can be JUST as basic and thirsty as girls on Insta!”
