LaidBack

Laid-back is an adjective used to describe a person, atmosphere, or style characterized by a relaxed, easygoing attitude. It implies a tendency to avoid haste, take things at a slower pace, and display tolerance or informality. Common synonyms include easygoing, relaxed, mellow, and unhurried.

The term is a compound of lay and back, with laid-back as the prevalent hyphenated form in modern usage. It emerged in American English in the mid-20th century and gained wider popularity in the 1960s and afterward, partly through associations with beach and counterculture imagery.

Laid-back can carry positive or neutral connotations, describing someone who remains calm under pressure or a setting that feels welcoming and unstructured. In professional contexts, it can be praise for composure or criticism for a perceived lack of urgency or discipline. Its applicability varies across cultures, with some valuing spontaneity and others preferring formality.

In culture and design, laid-back evokes casual fashion, informal gatherings, and relaxed interiors, often featuring simple, comfortable aesthetics. In music and media, it describes styles that emphasize ease and groove over intensity, such as laid-back jazz, reggae, or soft rock. The term is widely understood across English-speaking regions.

Related terms include easygoing, mellow, and relaxed. While often positive, the term's appropriateness depends on context and the speaker's intent.