Is anyone else confused as to why children took the word 'babe', a one syllable word, and "shortened" it to 'bae', also a one syllable word? Edit: I'm calling shenanigans on this whole "bae being an abbreviation" thing. If some was truly your "before anything else", I would assume that is the person you will marry (or at least be with for an extended period of time) and not just be the fifth "bae" in your life you are currently calling "bae". I also automatically assume you are unfaithful if you use the word "bae" and feel entirely justified in doing so based on life experiences. Take that as you may.