Slay

Slay (verb / slang)

(Also heard as: Slayed, Slaying, Slayed it)

Definition: Looking unreal, pulling off a massive win, or totally bossing whatever you set out to do.

Pronunciation: /sleɪ/

Where It Comes From: Started back in the 70s and 80s Harlem ballroom culture with Black and Latino LGBTQ+ performers. Out on the runway, if your walk was untouchable or your costume blew the judges away, you literally “slayed” the room. RuPaul, Beyoncé, and ten years of Twitter memes ended up dragging it into ordinary British chat.

How People Actually Use It: Dead simple: it’s the loudest cheer you can give someone. You drop it under your pal’s photo when they’ve spent two hours getting ready, scream it across a pre-drinks kitchen when someone shows off their outfit, or use it after someone passes their driving test on the first go.

Examples in the Wild:

• “Mate, you slayed that job interview, don’t even stress.”

  Translation: You did brilliantly and they’re going to hire you.

• “Look at her dress—she came to slay tonight.”

  Translation: She made a huge effort and looks stunning.

• “Honestly, the whole band slayed that headline set.”

  Translation: They played a fantastic gig from start to finish.

Similar Slang: Smashed it, Ate, Serving, Nailed it, Done bits, Top tier