slay
What does slay mean?
To do something exceptionally well or to look fantastic. A term of praise — if you "slayed", you impressed everyone.
Origin
Rooted in Black and LGBTQ+ ballroom culture, where "slay" long meant to excel; carried into the mainstream via drag and social media.
Frequently asked questions
What does "slay" mean?
To do something exceptionally well or to look fantastic. A term of praise — if you "slayed", you impressed everyone.
How do you use "slay" in a sentence?
For example: "You slayed that presentation — everyone was taking notes."
Where does "slay" come from?
Rooted in Black and LGBTQ+ ballroom culture, where "slay" long meant to excel; carried into the mainstream via drag and social media. It's generally dated to around 2015.
Is "slay" Gen Z slang?
Yes — "slay" is classed as Gen Z slang on FreeDict. To do something exceptionally well or to look fantastic. A term of praise — if you "slayed", you impressed everyone.