The term “slay” has become quite popular on social media platforms like Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok in recent years. It’s used to express admiration or approval towards someone’s appearance, talents, or accomplishments. But what exactly does “slay” mean and where did this slang term originate from?
Definition and Meaning
The slang term “slay” means to “excel at something” or to “do really well.” When someone slays, it means they are killing it or doing amazingly well at something.
For example, you might comment “slay!” on your friend’s Instagram photo if they look exceptionally good in it. Or you could use slay to compliment someone’s performance, like “you totally slayed that dance routine!”
The general meaning is to convey that someone is doing something in an impressive, fierce, or phenomenal way. It expresses that they are accomplishing success in their endeavor.
Origin and History
The exact origin of using “slay” as slang is unclear, but it gained mainstream popularity in recent years, especially on social media.
The term comes from the traditional definition of “slay” which means to violently kill or destroy something. This meaning translates into the slang usage because someone who slays is essentially “killing it” or having major success.
While the slang term wasn’t coined online, it became popularized on social media through platforms like Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube. It was a way for users to hype each other up and show support.
Some sources suggest slay originated in drag culture and among LGBTQ+ communities. It was a way to cheer on a fierce performance or strong sense of self. From there it became more mainstream.
Now slay is commonly used by millennials and Gen Zers across all communities and backgrounds. It’s not limited to any one demographic.
How It’s Used in Social Media
On social media platforms like Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, and Snapchat, people comment “slay!” or “slay queen!” to compliment someone’s picture or video. For example:
– A stunning selfie or OOTD (outfit of the day) photo might receive comments like “SLAY mama,” “slayyyy,” or “SLAAAAY”
– Videos showing off talent or skills like singing, dancing, makeup artistry, or fashion styling often get “YASSS slay” or “queen slay” comments.
– Someone sharing accomplishments like graduating, getting a promotion, or purchasing a home may get supportive comments like “you’re slaying it boo!” or “slay that career hunt bestie!”
The term is always positive and used to build someone up and recognize their talents or successes. Social media allows slay to spread as a way for users to hype each other up.
Common Phrases
Here are some common variations of “slay” used in social media slang:
– Slay queen – This addresses someone as a powerful, impressive queen. For example, “look at you slay queen!”
– Yasss slay! – The addition of “yasss” expresses extra enthusiasm. For example, “yasss slay that outfit!”
– Slayyyy – Adding extra letters indicates a dramatic slay. For example, “those new heels are slayyyy!”
– You’re slaying it! – This encourages someone’s accomplishment. For example, “you’re slaying it in med school!”
– Slay all day – This means someone is slaying nonstop, all the time. For example, “she slays all day every day.”
– Slay on fleek – When slay is combined with “on fleek,” it conveys optimal, flawless slaying.
– Slay the house down boots – This exaggerated phrase means an epic, phenomenal level of slaying.
In a Hashtag
Using #slay on social media extends the slay message. People add it to captions and posts to spread the slay vibes. For example:
– An Instagram user might caption a perfect selfie with “#Slay #FeltCute”
– Someone could use #slay on Twitter when sharing an accomplishment like “Just got hired for my dream job! #slay”
– A YouTube makeup tutorial could be tagged with “#slaythatlook” to encourage viewers to slay their makeup too.
– Performers often add #slay to promote their shows or albums.
Adding the hashtag allows people to click and search for related content. It spreads the slay love and aggregates slay messaging.
As a Reaction Image/GIF
Reaction images and GIFs that imply slaying are also popular. For example:
– A sassy hair flip GIF in response to a hot selfie insinuates an epic slay.
– A GIF of a fashion model strutting the runway conveys a slay in style.
– An image of Oprah clapping replies well to announcements of victories and success.
– Beyonce dance moves that convey power and fierceness react well to general displays of slaying.
Sharing reaction GIFs and images provides a fun way to interact and communicate slaying. The reactions enhance the slay message.
Conclusion
In summary, “slay” is used in social media as a way to positively recognize someone’s phenomenal talents, looks, skills, and successes. It emphasizes support and encouragement and allows users to hype each other up. The term signals approval, admiration, and even envy when someone totally rocks an outfit, nails a performance, or achieves something great.
While the slang has its origins in drag and LGBTQ+ communities, it’s now broadly known and used across platforms like Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok. There are many fun variations of the phrase and ways to incorporate it through hashtags and reaction images. Overall, it’s all about spreading empowerment and celebration. Slay on!