Top 31 Slang For Perform – Meaning & Usage

Whether you’re an aspiring actor, a seasoned performer, or simply a fan of the arts, the world of performance is filled with its own unique language and slang. From backstage lingo to industry jargon, navigating this world can sometimes feel like learning a whole new performer’s dialect. But fear not, because we’ve got you covered. In this article, we’ve rounded up the top slang terms for performers that you need to know. So get ready to brush up on your performance vocabulary and impress your fellow theater enthusiasts with your newfound knowledge!

Click above to generate some slangs

1. Do

This slang term is used to refer to the act of performing, whether it be on stage, in a film, or in any other form of entertainment. It can also be used to describe someone who is skilled or talented in their performance.

For example, “She really knows how to do on stage and captivate the audience.”
A friend might say, “I saw you do last night, you were amazing!”
A performer might say, “I’ve been doing for years and it’s my passion.”

2. Execute

This term is used to describe the act of delivering a performance with precision, skill, and effectiveness. It implies that the performer has successfully carried out their intended performance or routine.

For instance, “He executed that dance routine flawlessly.”
A judge might comment, “The way you executed that monologue was impressive.”
A performer might say, “I always strive to execute my performances with perfection.”

3. Act

In the context of slang for perform, “act” refers to the action of taking the stage or performing in a theatrical production. It can also be used to describe someone who is skilled in acting or performing.

For example, “She loves to act and has been in many plays.”
A friend might say, “I saw you act in that play, you were fantastic!”
An aspiring actor might say, “I’m studying acting and hope to act professionally one day.”

4. Put on a show

This slang term is used to describe the act of entertaining an audience, often in a lively and captivating manner. It can also be used to describe someone who is skilled at putting on a performance.

For instance, “She really knows how to put on a show and keep the audience engaged.”
A friend might say, “I saw you put on a show last night, it was incredible!”
A performer might say, “I love to put on a show and bring joy to people’s lives.”

5. Play

In the context of slang for perform, “play” refers to the act of performing in a theatrical production, such as a play or musical. It can also be used to describe someone who is skilled in acting or performing on stage.

For example, “He has been cast to play the lead role in the upcoming play.”
A friend might say, “I saw you play in that musical, you were outstanding!”
An aspiring actor might say, “I’m auditioning for a play and hoping to get a role.”

6. Sing

This refers to the act of singing loudly and confidently, often with a lot of emotion or power. It is commonly used in performances or karaoke sessions.

For instance, a judge on a singing competition might say, “She really belted out that high note.”
In a conversation about favorite singers, someone might say, “I love how she can belt it out and hit those high notes.”
A friend might encourage another to sing confidently by saying, “Go ahead and belt it out! You’ve got a great voice.”

7. Dance

This means to start dancing or to show off one’s dance moves. It is often used to encourage someone to dance or to describe someone’s impressive dance skills.

For example, at a party, someone might say, “Come on, let’s bust a move on the dance floor!”
A friend might compliment another’s dance skills by saying, “Wow, you really know how to bust a move.”
In a dance competition, a judge might comment, “She really knows how to bust a move and captivate the audience.”

8. Show off

To show off means to display one’s skills, talents, or possessions in a way that seeks attention or admiration. It is often used to describe someone who is trying to impress others with their abilities.

For instance, someone might say, “He’s always showing off his expensive car.”
In a conversation about a coworker, someone might comment, “She’s constantly showing off her knowledge and skills.”
A friend might jokingly say to another, “Okay, we get it, you can juggle. No need to show off!”

9. Pull off

To pull off means to successfully accomplish or achieve something, especially something that is difficult or impressive. It is commonly used in reference to performances or challenging tasks.

For example, someone might say, “She really pulled off that high note in the song.”
In a discussion about a difficult dance routine, someone might comment, “They managed to pull off all those complex moves.”
A friend might encourage another by saying, “You’ve practiced so much, I know you can pull off this performance!”

10. Nail it

To nail it means to perfectly execute or accomplish something, often with a high level of skill or precision. It is commonly used to describe a flawless performance or achievement.

For instance, a judge on a talent show might say, “She absolutely nailed that dance routine.”
In a conversation about a successful presentation, someone might comment, “He really nailed it with his delivery.”
A friend might congratulate another by saying, “You studied so hard and it paid off. You totally nailed it!”

11. Kill it

When someone “kills it,” they are giving an outstanding performance or achieving great success in a particular activity or task.

For example, “She absolutely killed it in her dance recital.”
A musician might say, “The band killed it at the concert last night.”
A sports commentator might exclaim, “He killed it with that winning shot!”

12. Crush it

When someone “crushes it,” they are performing at a high level or achieving great success in a specific endeavor.

For instance, “She really crushed it in her presentation at work.”
A fitness enthusiast might say, “I crushed my personal record in the marathon.”
A chef might exclaim, “I’m going to crush it in the kitchen tonight!”

13. Rock it

When someone “rocks it,” they are performing exceptionally well or doing something with confidence and flair.

For example, “He really rocked it on stage with his guitar solo.”
A fashionista might say, “I’m going to rock this outfit at the party.”
A dancer might exclaim, “Let’s rock it on the dance floor!”

14. Slay it

When someone “slays it,” they are giving an outstanding performance or accomplishing something with great skill and precision.

For instance, “She totally slayed it in her acting audition.”
A makeup artist might say, “I’m going to slay this client’s look.”
A gamer might exclaim, “I slayed the final boss in that video game!”

15. Ace it

When someone “aces it,” they are performing at the highest level or achieving a perfect result in a particular task or activity.

For example, “He aced his math test and got a perfect score.”
A golfer might say, “I aced that difficult shot and got a hole-in-one.”
A student might exclaim, “I aced my presentation and got praised by the professor!”

16. Tear it up

This phrase means to perform exceptionally well or to give an impressive performance.

For example, “She really tore it up on stage with her energetic dance routine.”
In a music competition, a judge might say, “That singer really knows how to tear it up.”
A fan might comment on a live performance, “The band really tore it up tonight!”

17. Show up

This slang phrase means to attend an event or to perform in a show.

For instance, “He always knows how to show up and give his best in every performance.”
A friend might invite you to a poetry reading and say, “You should show up and share one of your poems.”
A theater director might tell the cast, “It’s important to show up on time for rehearsals.”

18. Work it

This phrase means to perform or execute a task or performance with great skill, confidence, and style.

For example, “The dancer really knows how to work it on stage.”
A fitness instructor might say, “Come on, everyone! Let’s work it and give it our all!”
A friend might encourage you before a presentation, “You’ve prepared well, now go out there and work it!”

19. Bring it

This slang phrase means to give an impressive and powerful performance or to excel in a particular task.

For instance, “The actor really brought it in that emotional scene.”
A coach might motivate their team by saying, “Come on, team! Let’s bring it and show them what we’re made of!”
A dancer might say, “I’m going to bring it on the dance floor tonight!”

20. Slay

This slang term means to perform exceptionally well or to achieve great success in a performance or competition.

For example, “She absolutely slayed that song with her powerful vocals.”
A sports commentator might say, “The team is slaying the competition with their impressive skills.”
A fan might comment on a dance routine, “The dancer totally slayed that choreography!”

21. Slap

When someone gives an outstanding performance or does something exceptionally well. The term “slap” is often used to describe a performance that is so good, it leaves a strong impact on the audience.

For example, “That guitarist can really slap! He’s amazing.”
A person might say, “The dancer’s moves were so smooth, it was a slap!”
Another might comment, “The comedian’s jokes were on point, each one was a slap.”

22. Show out

When someone performs exceptionally well and stands out from the rest. “Show out” typically implies going above and beyond what is expected or delivering an impressive performance.

For instance, “She really showed out on stage with her incredible vocals.”
A person might say, “The actor showed out in that emotionally intense scene.”
Another might comment, “The acrobat showed out with their jaw-dropping stunts.”

23. Throw down

When someone puts on a show or performance that is full of energy and passion. “Throw down” suggests a dynamic and captivating performance that captivates the audience.

For example, “The band really threw down during their live concert.”
A person might say, “The dancer threw down some incredible moves on the dance floor.”
Another might comment, “The spoken word artist really threw down with their powerful poetry.”

24. Showboat

When someone intentionally seeks attention and tries to impress the audience during a performance. “Showboat” often implies a display of skill or talent that is meant to grab the spotlight.

For instance, “He’s always showboating during his guitar solos.”
A person might say, “The actor’s constant showboating takes away from the overall performance.”
Another might comment, “The dancer’s showboating overshadowed the rest of the group.”

25. Put on a display

When someone presents their skills or talents in a way that is visually impressive or entertaining. “Put on a display” suggests a deliberate effort to create a captivating performance.

For example, “The magician put on a mesmerizing display of illusions.”
A person might say, “The singer put on a powerful display of vocal range.”
Another might comment, “The circus performers put on an incredible display of acrobatics.”

26. Work the crowd

To “work the crowd” means to actively interact with the audience during a performance in order to engage and entertain them.

For example, a comedian might say, “I love to work the crowd and get them involved in my jokes.”
A musician might say, “I always try to work the crowd by making eye contact and getting them to sing along.”
A speaker might say, “Working the crowd is essential for keeping the audience engaged and interested.”

27. Steal the show

To “steal the show” means to be the standout or most impressive performer in a given performance or event.

For instance, a dancer might say, “I want to steal the show with my solo routine.”
An actor might say, “I’m going to give it my all and try to steal the show in this play.”
A singer might say, “I’m confident that my performance tonight will steal the show.”

28. Show your skills

To “show your skills” means to demonstrate and showcase your abilities or talents during a performance.

For example, a basketball player might say, “I’m going to show my skills on the court tonight.”
A magician might say, “Watch closely as I show my skills with this deck of cards.”
A musician might say, “I can’t wait to get on stage and show my skills on the guitar.”

29. Show your moves

To “show your moves” means to display and showcase your dance or performance skills during a performance.

For instance, a dancer might say, “I’m going to show my moves on the dance floor tonight.”
A choreographer might say, “The dancers will have a chance to show their moves in this upcoming routine.”
A performer might say, “I’ve been practicing my routine and I’m excited to show my moves to the audience.”

30. Put on a concert

To “put on a concert” means to perform a live music show for an audience.

For example, a band might say, “We’re going to put on a concert at the local venue.”
A singer might say, “I’m excited to put on a concert and share my music with my fans.”
A concert promoter might say, “We’re bringing in a popular artist to put on a concert for the city.”

31. Show your talent

This phrase encourages someone to display their skills or abilities in a performance or showcase. It implies that they have something special to offer and should not be afraid to show it.

For example, a friend might say, “Don’t be shy, go out there and shine! Show your talent!”
In a talent show, the host might announce, “Next up, we have a young musician ready to shine and show their talent.”
A motivational speaker might say, “Don’t hide your gifts. Show your talent to the world and let your light shine!”