eh. to me, a badass wouldn't have to say they're a badass. you either are or you aren't. it's more of a mindset one has that some others just happen to deem as badass. as soon as someone seriously declares they are one, i conclude they aren't. (and, just so everyone knows, i haven't seen anyone in this thread do that to my recollection.)
that said, i've been called one many many times, but i don't take their opinion of me to heart. i don't judge me by how they've read my words or actions. because, seriously, for all i know, they just scare easily.
i have scared myself before by losing it and then calmly acting. though angry as hell (it takes a hell of a lot to get me there, but it happens), it's like i can see myself from the outside looking in, and i'm aware of what i'm doing, but i'm completely detached from it. meaning, i'm still capable of judging what the numerous consequences can/will be and whether or not the risk is worth taking and if so, how far to take it.
it's when i've gotten to the point that i know i'm willing to take it all the way that i've scared myself. when knowing i could end up in jail and called people to warn them that i may need bail afterwards, and deemed it totally worth it.
not scared for me, but my loved ones who don't/can't see that what i'm about to do has been rationally weighed in my mind, and i'm not worried about me, so they shouldn't be.