“Slay” is among the top favorite terms used on the app. Do you know what does slay mean?
The term can mean “to do something spectacularly well,” especially when it comes to fashion, artistic performance, or self-confidence.
Many of these words are used in various contexts and have a variety of meanings. This article will discuss the means and use of the term “slay.”
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When Did the Term “Slay” Originate?
The original and literal meaning of the term slay is “to kill someone violently.” But thanks to social media, it now has a more positive connotation.
Sometime between the 1970s and the 1980s, particularly in black and brown communities, minorities started using the word in a flattering context. It was later adopted by the queer community and became popular after getting featured in a 1991 documentary called Paris Is Burning. The drag queens in the movie, who called themselves that and lived in New York, were the main characters.
Slay’s popularity skyrocketed after Beyonce used it in her 2016 single Formation. Now, the word is widely spread through social media.
What Does Slay Mean?
The word is ambiguous and has multiple meanings that can be applied in various situations. Here are some of the ways netizens can utilize the term:
1. To achieve something impressive: Whether it’s being able to parallel park, draw a perfect winged liner, or get the job of your dreams. A person “slays” if they can achieve something impressive.
2. Being impressed by someone as a whole: Some individuals like Beyonce, Rihanna, and Keanu Reeves are (in their fan’s words) “amazing” and they “slay” as individuals.
3. Defeat someone or prove someone wrong: A person has been said to have “slayed” someone when they defeated or proved them wrong.
In each of these situations, the word is appropriate. It can also be used as a hashtag to increase the reach of their content.
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Why Do People Say “slay” on TikTok?
Even though the aforementioned use of the word “slay” is informal, within the last ten years or so, it has entered common usage. According to dictionary.com, slaying originally meant to kill something, but by the 1920s, it also meant to make someone laugh hysterically.
RuPaul’s Drag Race helped make the phrase “slay” popular, which has its roots in drag culture. Since the start of that show in 2009, LGBTQ+ culture has become more widely accepted, and many of the slang phrases used by that community have entered everyday speech.
Conclusion on What Does Slay Mean
This word does not imply violence when used on social media. Someone is doing a great job or is a good person when they “slay,” a word that is frequently used in slang. That person is the best of the best, according to this phrase.
Additionally, it can be used to show someone else how much you respect and admire them. A slay king or queen is someone who is the best.
Also Read: What Does SMH Mean on Tiktok?