verb🔥 Gen-Z slang

slay

to do something excellently

What it means

To do something exceptionally well, look amazing, or absolutely nail it. Often used as a standalone hype word ('slay!') to cheer someone on for an impressive outfit, performance, or accomplishment.

Examples

  • You slayed that presentation, the whole room was hooked.
  • New haircut? Slay, you look incredible.
  • She slayed the audition and got the lead role.
  • Finished the marathon and didn't stop once — slay.

Where it comes from

Used since the 1970s–80s in Black and LGBTQ+ ballroom and drag culture to praise someone who looked or performed fiercely. It entered the mainstream through pop culture and became a constant on TikTok and Twitter in the late 2010s.

Related slang

#ate

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