General
shantay, you stay
What does shantay, you stay mean?
The reprieve. After a lip sync for your life, RuPaul tells the queen who survives 'shantay, you stay', the verdict that she lives to compete another week. 'Shantay' is borrowed flair (a nod to 'enchanté' / French chic) that softens the blade. The relief half of the show's most famous coin-flip.
"I've made my decision. Shantay, you stay."
Origin
A RuPaul's Drag Race catchphrase; 'shantay' echoes 'enchanté' and the gambling/illusion sense of getting to remain. Paired with its opposite, 'sashay away'.
Frequently asked questions
What does "shantay, you stay" mean?
It's RuPaul's phrase telling the lip-sync winner she's safe and staying in the competition.
Where does "shantay, you stay" come from?
It's a catchphrase from RuPaul on Drag Race, said to the queen who wins the lip-sync.
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