gurubased

Gurubased is a neologism used in online discourse to describe a content style or attitude that centers on a "guru" figure or authority and treats that figure’s teachings as foundational. The term combines guru with based, a slang usage in internet communities that connotes authenticity, conviction, or an unapologetic stance.

Origin and usage: The expression has appeared in niche forums and social media discussions since the 2010s and 2020s, but it remains informal and not widely standardized. It is typically used descriptively rather than prescriptively, to label material that presents a single mentor or group of mentors as the primary source of knowledge and prescribes their methods with limited critical evaluation.

Context and examples: Gurubased content may include structured programs, video lectures, or written guides that emphasize following a guru’s framework, sometimes framed as a path to personal or professional improvement. Critics argue that gurubased approaches can foster dependency on authority and reduce independent judgment.

Variants and related concepts: Related terms include guru-based mentorship, authority in online pedagogy, and the broader based lexicon within online subcultures. The term is not widely adopted in formal discourse and is mostly found in discussions about online teaching dynamics and mentorship models.

See also: Guru, Based, Mentorship, Online communities.