Bae is a term of endearment that originated in African American Vernacular English (AAVE). It is an abbreviation for "before anyone else" or "before anyone else's," and it is used to refer to a romantic partner or loved one. It is often associated with modern love and is commonly used in informal conversations and social media.
Note: The provided meaning of the answer is for the latest New York Times crossword puzzle clue: Hon. Explanations are generated by AI and may be inaccurate.