General
busted
What does busted mean?
The verdict you never want. Busted means sloppy, ugly, or unfinished, especially a look or a face that missed the mark. The direct opposite of beat. On the runway it's the difference between a queen and a 'who let her out the house'.
"The wig was crooked and the contour was grey, girl looked busted."
Origin
Drag and ballroom slang; broader Black American slang for ugly/ruined that drag culture sharpened into a makeup-and-look verdict, popularised by Drag Race.
Frequently asked questions
What does "busted" mean?
Busted means unpolished, messy, or badly done — something that looks rough or poorly put together.
How do you use "busted" in a sentence?
"The paint job on that car is busted — it's peeling everywhere."
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