Slay is a word that has become increasingly popular both online and in real life. But if you’re not sure what it means, that’s okay. Maybe you have a sense of the general idea, but don’t understand the specifics of how to use it. Whatever the case may be, it’s never too late to learn more. So, here is a guide to what does slay mean on TikTok, the history of the word, and some other useful words to know.
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The History Of The Word Slay
Slay is a word that has more than one meaning. Most are familiar with slay in the sense of kill, strike, or smite. This archaic term was a broad way of describing a violent act that resulted in the death of another. It was widely used across poetry, fiction and mythology. For example, slaying a dragon is a staple quest of the fantasy genre.
The word was occasionally used to indicate someone was wearing high fashion or “dressed to kill” in the 19th century, however it was not commonly used at the time.
Another version of slay emerged in the 1920s. This version has the meaning of something witty or hilarious. For example, someone might say “You slay me” to indicate in an exaggerated way that they had been laughing so hard they might die.
The modern usage of slay, however, has its roots in the queer, black and Latino ballroom culture of the 1980s. Like other words like “Yas” and “Fierce,” slay emerged intersectionally from the ballroom into the broader black and queer communities. It was then brought into the mainstream by RuPaul’s Drag Race as well as Beyonce’s use of the term in “Formation.”
What Does Slay Mean?
If you hear someone say “slay” today, it is most likely being used as a compliment. For example, upon seeing someone’s outfit, a shorthand way of complimenting them might be to simply say “slay!” It is also used to indicate doing something masterfully or excellently, for example: “You slayed that.” In other words, it’s a term for whenever someone is “killing it.” It has become a ubiquitous phrase across social media, being used in all kinds of different ways.
It is important, however, to understand where the phrase came from and why flippant usage of it can be seen as appropriative in some contexts.
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