Drag culture has been a vibrant and influential part of society for decades, with its own unique language and terminology. Whether you’re a seasoned queen or just starting to dip your toes into the world of drag, our team has compiled a list of the hottest slang terms that will have you sashaying with confidence. Get ready to werk it with our comprehensive guide to the fabulous world of drag slang!
Click above to generate some slangs
1. Beat
In the world of drag, “beat” refers to the application of makeup that is perfectly done. It means that the drag queen has achieved a flawless and stunning look.
- For example, a drag queen might say, “I spent hours beating my face for tonight’s performance.”
- Another drag queen might compliment a fellow queen by saying, “Girl, your beat is on point!”
- When posting a selfie on social media, a drag queen might caption it with, “Feeling fierce with this beat!”
2. Fishy
When someone in drag is described as “fishy,” it means that they look incredibly feminine and could be mistaken for a biological woman. The term is often used as a compliment to highlight how convincingly feminine a drag queen appears.
- For instance, a drag queen might say, “I’m serving fishy realness tonight!”
- When discussing a drag show, someone might comment, “There were so many fishy queens on stage last night.”
- A fan of drag might describe their favorite queen as “the fishiest queen in the competition.”
3. Snatched
In drag slang, “snatched” refers to looking incredibly good and put together. It is used to describe a drag queen who has achieved a stunning and flawless appearance.
- For example, a drag queen might say, “I’m feeling snatched in this outfit!”
- When complimenting a fellow queen, someone might say, “Girl, you look snatched from head to toe.”
- A fan of drag might comment on social media, “The queens on tonight’s episode are serving snatched looks!”
4. Mug
In the world of drag, “mug” refers to a drag queen’s face or makeup. It is often used to describe the overall appearance of a drag queen’s facial features and how well their makeup is applied.
- For instance, a drag queen might say, “I need to beat my mug before the show.”
- When discussing a drag competition, someone might comment, “Her mug is always on point.”
- A fan of drag might ask a queen on social media, “Can you share your mug routine? It’s always flawless!”
5. Serve
In drag slang, “serve” means to present oneself with confidence, style, and attitude. It is often used to describe a drag queen who is commanding attention and exuding charisma on stage.
- For example, a drag queen might say, “I’m about to serve you some fierce looks!”
- When describing a memorable performance, someone might say, “She really served it on stage.”
- A fan of drag might comment on a queen’s performance, “You served us pure talent and energy tonight!”
6. Werk
This term is often used to encourage someone to show off their skills, confidence, and style. It’s a way of acknowledging and celebrating someone’s talent and presence.
- For example, a drag queen might say, “I’m about to hit the stage and werk it!”
- In a dance competition, a judge might comment, “She really knows how to werk the floor.”
- A supportive friend might say, “You’re going to slay tonight. Now go out there and werk it!”
7. Slay
This term is used to describe someone who is killing it or doing something exceptionally well. It’s often used to express admiration and awe for someone’s performance or appearance.
- For instance, a drag queen might say, “I’m going to slay the runway tonight!”
- In a talent show, a judge might exclaim, “That performance was absolute slayage!”
- A fan might comment, “She slayed that lip sync. I can’t get enough!”
8. Tuck
In the context of drag, tucking refers to the process of hiding or securing the male genitals to create a smoother and more feminine appearance. It’s an essential technique for drag queens to achieve the illusion of a female figure.
- For example, a drag queen might say, “I need to tuck before getting into my costume.”
- During a drag tutorial, a queen might explain, “Tucking is all about finding the right technique and using the right undergarments.”
- A drag performer might give advice, “Make sure to tuck properly to avoid any wardrobe malfunctions!”
9. Kiki
Kiki is a slang term used to describe a casual and lively gathering of friends, often involving laughter, conversation, and gossip. It’s a way to let loose, have a good time, and bond with others.
- For instance, a drag queen might say, “Let’s have a kiki after the show and spill the tea!”
- When planning a get-together, a friend might suggest, “We should have a kiki at my place this weekend.”
- A person recounting a fun night out might say, “We had the best kiki at the club. It was so much fun!”
10. Gagging
This term is used to express extreme excitement, surprise, or awe. It’s often used when something is so impressive or shocking that it leaves you speechless or unable to contain your excitement.
- For example, a drag queen might say, “That performance had me gagging. It was incredible!”
- When witnessing a stunning outfit, someone might exclaim, “I’m gagging over that dress. It’s stunning!”
- A fan watching a drag competition might comment, “She had me gagging with her flawless makeup and fierce moves!”
11. Shade
Shade is the act of throwing subtle or indirect insults or criticisms towards someone. It is a way for drag queens to express their wit and cleverness.
- For example, a drag queen might say, “She thinks she’s the best, but I’ll throw some shade her way.”
- In a drag competition, one queen might throw shade at another by saying, “Your outfit looks like it came from a thrift store.”
- A fan of drag might comment, “The shade thrown on that episode was legendary.”
12. Realness
Realness refers to the ability of a drag queen to embody a certain character or persona convincingly. It is about portraying a specific identity with authenticity and staying true to it.
- For instance, a judge might comment, “She really brought the realness with her performance.”
- A drag queen might say, “I always strive to bring the realness on stage and connect with the audience.”
- Fans might discuss a queen’s realness by saying, “She can transform herself into any character with such ease and realness.”
13. Camp
Camp refers to a style of drag that is intentionally exaggerated, theatrical, and over-the-top. It often involves flamboyant costumes, dramatic makeup, and exaggerated performances.
- For example, a drag queen might say, “I love embracing camp and going all out with my looks.”
- In a drag show, a performer might incorporate camp elements by wearing a huge feathered headdress and performing extravagant dance moves.
- Fans might describe a queen’s performance as “pure camp” when it is highly theatrical and entertaining.
14. Charisma
Charisma refers to the compelling charm and magnetic personality that a drag queen possesses. It is the ability to captivate and engage the audience with their presence and stage presence.
- For instance, a judge might comment, “She has so much charisma, it’s impossible to take your eyes off her.”
- A drag queen might say, “Charisma is one of the most important qualities a queen should have to connect with the audience.”
- Fans might describe a queen as “oozing charisma” when they have a natural ability to command attention on stage.
15. Snatch Game
Snatch Game is a popular segment in drag competitions where contestants impersonate celebrities or fictional characters. It is a challenge to see how well the queens can embody their chosen characters and entertain the audience.
- For example, a host might announce, “It’s time for the Snatch Game, where the queens will showcase their impersonation skills!”
- A contestant might choose to portray a famous singer or actress during the Snatch Game.
- Fans might discuss their favorite moments from the Snatch Game by saying, “Her impersonation was spot-on and had everyone in stitches.”
16. Sickening
This term is used to describe something that is extremely impressive or amazing. In the context of drag, it is often used to describe a performance or a look that is exceptionally stunning.
- For example, “Her makeup skills are sickening, she always looks flawless on stage.”
- A drag queen might say, “I’m serving sickening realness tonight with this outfit.”
- A fan might comment, “That lip sync was sickening, I couldn’t take my eyes off the performance.”
17. Fierce
This word is commonly used in the drag community to describe something that is bold, powerful, or awe-inspiring. It is often used to compliment a drag queen’s performance, outfit, or overall presence.
- For instance, “She walked the runway with fierce confidence and stole the show.”
- A fan might exclaim, “That dance routine was fierce, they slayed the stage!”
- A drag queen might say, “I’m serving fierce looks tonight, get ready to be amazed.”
18. Trade
In drag slang, “trade” refers to an attractive person, usually a man, who may or may not be aware of their appeal. It is often used to discuss potential romantic or sexual interests.
- For example, “There’s some trade at the bar tonight, I hope I catch someone’s eye.”
- A drag queen might say, “I spotted some trade in the audience, time to work my charm.”
- A friend might ask, “Did you find any trade at the party last night?”
19. Queen
In the drag community, “queen” is a term used to refer to a drag performer, typically someone who identifies as male but presents themselves in a female persona on stage. It is a term of respect and admiration within the community.
- For instance, “She is the reigning queen of the local drag scene.”
- A fan might say, “That queen’s performance was incredible, she really knows how to entertain.”
- A drag queen might introduce themselves as, “I am your hostess and queen for the evening.”
20. Sissy That Walk
This phrase, popularized by RuPaul’s Drag Race, means to confidently and proudly walk or strut. It is often used to encourage someone to embrace their confidence and showcase their personality.
- For example, “When you enter the room, sissy that walk and let everyone know you’re here.”
- A drag queen might say, “I’m about to sissy that walk and show off my fierce outfit.”
- A friend might say, “Don’t be afraid to sissy that walk and show the world who you are.”
21. Mug for the Gods
This phrase is used to describe someone’s makeup as being exceptionally well-done and flawless. It implies that the person’s makeup skills are so good that they could be admired by the gods.
- For example, a drag queen might say, “I spent hours on my face, and now I’ve got a mug for the gods!”
- Another drag performer might compliment a fellow queen by saying, “Girl, your mug tonight is on point. It’s a mug for the gods!”
- A makeup artist might create a tutorial and say, “Today I’m going to show you how to achieve a mug for the gods look.”
22. Gag
This term is used to describe a moment or performance that is so impressive, unexpected, or shocking that it leaves the audience in awe. It can also refer to the feeling of being overwhelmed by something amazing.
- For example, a drag queen might say, “I’m going to gag the audience with my reveal during the performance.”
- Another performer might say, “Did you see that lip sync? It was a total gag!”
- An audience member might comment, “The finale of the show was a gag. I couldn’t believe what I was seeing!”