Slay

The phrase exploded in popularity as a way to uplift and empower, especially in the context of fashion and performance. It evokes joy and confidence, making people feel fabulous when they hear it.

Slay is a fierce compliment celebrating someone's style or performance, often used in LGBTQ+ spaces.

“

I slay

— Beyoncé in her song 'Formation,' released on December 9, 2016, celebrating empowerment and confidence.

'Slay' is often used to hype someone up for looking amazing or performing well, like saying, 'You absolutely slay in that outfit!' It's a way to express admiration and support, especially in creative and fashion-forward communities.

The term 'slay' has roots in the 1800s, initially meaning to kill or make someone laugh uncontrollably. It evolved in ball culture to describe someone dressed exceptionally well, which was later popularized online through Urban Dictionary in the early 2000s.

1. 2009-10User @tommygotachoppa tweets '#SLAY' praising Rihanna, marking a modern usage of the term.
2. 2016-12Beyoncé releases 'Formation,' featuring the iconic line 'I slay,' which boosts the term's popularity.

The term gained traction on Twitter in 2009 when user @tommygotachoppa tweeted '#SLAY' in praise of Rihanna. It surged further in 2016 when Beyoncé's song 'Formation' featured the line 'I slay,' leading to widespread use across social media platforms.