General
beat for the gods
What does beat for the gods mean?
When something is 'for the gods,' it's done so well it transcends ordinary human standard — you look like a deity, not a person. 'Beat for the gods' is the makeup version: a face painted so flawlessly it's beyond reproach. ('Beat' = makeup applied.) The phrase comes from the older ballroom expression 'fit for the gods.' You can stretch it to anything — hair, lashes, a whole look — done to perfection.
"Her face was beat for the gods — not a single edge out of place all night."
Origin
Ballroom/drag culture, from the phrase 'fit for the gods' meaning done to perfection. 'Beat' is drag slang for makeup application.
Frequently asked questions
What does "beat for the gods" mean?
"Beat for the gods" means done to absolute perfection — usually makeup so flawless it looks divine.
How do you use "beat for the gods" in a sentence?
"Her face was beat for the gods at the ball last night."
What does "beat" mean here?
In this phrase "beat" refers to makeup application, so "beat for the gods" means the makeup is flawlessly done.
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