映える
Baeru
ばえる
Originally part of the phrase "insuta-bae" (インスタ映え — "Instagram-worthy"), which won Japan's Buzzword of the Year award in 2017. Over time, "bae" (映え) broke free and became its own standalone expression. You'll hear "bae supotto" (a photogenic spot), "bae menyuu" (a dish that looks amazing), and so on. The twist: the kanji 映える normally reads "haeru," but in this slang usage it's read "baeru" — a hallmark of its internet-born identity. (Not to be confused with the English "bae" meaning baby/babe — completely different origin.)
Examples
このカフェ映えるから写真撮ろうよ
This cafe is so bae — let's take a pic.
Visiting a trendy cafe with friends
映え狙いすぎて味が微妙な店あるよね
Some places try so hard to be bae that the food ends up tasting meh.
Sharing restaurant opinions
京都は映えスポットだらけだった
Kyoto was full of bae spots.
映えとか気にせず食べたい
I just want to eat without worrying about bae.