The Phenomenon of “Slay”
The word “slay” has become embedded in modern-day vernacular among the younger generation. Whether it be to express excitement, agreement, or interrupt a conversational lull, the word is multifaceted. With many meanings and iterations, most people know the original Merriam-Webster definition meaning to kill or harm. Recently, The colloquial usage of slay has been added to the official dictionary definition “to do something or perform exceptionally well or impressively: to be exceptionally impressive”.
“Slay” first emerged in the ballroom scene during the ’70s–’80s and first came to prominence in Paris is Burning, a 1990 documentary surrounding queer nightlife. The phrase comes from Black, gay drag queens and it’s been appropriated since. This is not a new phenomenon, AAVE also known as African American vernacular has been stolen and repurposed for generations. Now we see it take place in everyday life on TV, shows like “RuPaul’s Drag Race”, And even official sources like Merriam-Webster does not give credit to the origin of the word.
“Slay” has become oversaturated, used multiple times in a singular sentence, over text, in Tik Toks, Tweets, and beyond. We are being fed this phrase through popular media outlets and it is being repurposed through social media and everyday interactions. None of these paths of dissemination give credit to the phrase’s origin in the Black ballroom scene. Whether it is on Tik Tok, the radio, or TV, seldom does one hear credit being given.
“America seems to be a ‘bottom-up’ culture. This means that its cultural trends are largely set by the masses or marginalized classes of the social ladder instead of those with the structural power. Sociolinguists have observed this bottom-up journey of AAVE from Black America to the rest of the world via pop culture and the internet. Words such as “slay” and “queen” come from one American subculture in particular: the American LGBTQ+ ballroom and drag scene.”
Pappalardo, the author of the 2023 piece is accurate in his depiction of American pop culture. His take that marginalized groups are often the sources of trends is spot on. Yet, he misses the fact that it is hegemonic institutions that often proliferate the trends – vernacular, fashion, aesthetics, etc. As previously mentioned, “slay” especially gained traction with its usage on popular shows like Drag Race and through mainstream music by powerful artists.
In songs like “Formation” by Beyoncé the artist sings
“I slay (okay), okay (okay), I slay (okay), okay, okay, okay, okay Okay, okay, ladies, now let’s get in formation”
And Lady Gaga’s “Fashion!” back from 2013 says “Looking good and feeling fine Slay, slay”
Beyonce and Gaga are two of pop’s most iconic figures, and they use slang that quickly proliferates across boundaries. While Gaga is queer and Beyonce is Black, the word slay originates from an intersectional marginalized group of black gay queens. So a question must be posed, is it okay to use the word “slay”?
Often, it seems non-POC members of the LGBTQ community take trends and language for themselves. In part because white gay privilege exists. Queer POC endures “double jeopardy” due to their coupled marginalized identities while white gays do not. According to data from the Center for American Progress, LGBTQ POC reported experiencing some form of discrimination at a rate 12 percent more than white LGBTQ respondents—43 percent compared with 31 percent. Yet, it seems the more disenfranchised are the cultural producers. Though they are punished and not given credit for their contributions. A quick skim of critical language theory will show that phrases like “sis”, “bye Felicia”, and “slay” are evidently taken, stolen, and appropriated from African American culture.
Given the history and pervasiveness, to use the word slay appropriately, one must appreciate its origins. This is not to say one has to completely cut it out of their vocabulary but if they are to use it one should be aware of where it started and somehow give back to the Black community. In a similar vein, if one harbors racist or homophobic ideologies, the word “slay” should be completely cut out of their vocabulary. It is contradictory and offensive to appropriate from a culture you actively treat prejudicially.
There’s a difference between appreciation and appropriation, what we see with the word slay is often falling into the latter category. It is important we change the cultural approach to be more appreciative to utilize the word but in a way that gives credit and praises the work of Black queer Trailblazers.
The excessive usage of “slay” may be fun and lighthearted on the surface, but beneath the four letters, a problematic history is revealed. What will become of “slay” in the future? Will they join terms such as “sus” and “bet” in a moratorium of once popular vernacular? Will slay live on and if so, will its origins be appreciated?
