Slay Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐
slay
[sleษช ]
Definitions
fashion, slang
To greatly impress or amaze, typically with one's style or talent. To excel or succeed in a spectacular way.
Synonyms
crush it, dominate, kill it.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| slay |
This word is often used in informal and trendy conversations, especially in the context of fashion, performance, or doing something extraordinarily well. It carries a positive and empowering connotation.
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| dominate |
This word is used in more serious contexts, often related to sports, business, or competitive environments. It implies total control and superiority over others.
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| kill it |
Similar to 'crush it', this phrase is used informally to mean performing excellently. However, in some contexts it might have a slightly stronger, more aggressive tone.
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| crush it |
This phrase is used in informal settings to express doing exceptionally well in a particular task or activity. It is often used in professional or competitive situations.
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Examples of usage
- She absolutely slayed the runway with her fierce walk.
- The singer slayed her performance at the concert.
slang, social media
To do something very well or successfully, especially in a public or social media setting.
Synonyms
nail it, own it, rock it.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| slay |
Used informally, often in social media or pop culture, to describe doing something exceptionally well or impressively. It sometimes has a fashionable or confident undertone and can also imply a sense of destroying or defeating something completely.
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| nail it |
Commonly used in everyday conversation and work settings to mean doing something perfectly, exactly as intended, or with great success, often referring to tasks, presentations, or performances.
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| own it |
Used to describe someone's complete confidence and dominance in a situation, implying that they have taken full control and are handling it exceptionally well. It is often heard in motivational contexts or when praising someone for their assertiveness.
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| rock it |
A casual, upbeat term used to praise someone for doing something excellently, often with enthusiasm and energy. It can be applied to performances, outfits, or any activity where someone excels.
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Examples of usage
- She slayed her makeup in that selfie.
- He slayed the dance floor at the party.
slang
A remarkable or outstanding performance or achievement, especially in the context of fashion or entertainment.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| slay |
Use in informal contexts, often in pop culture or social media when someone performs exceptionally well or looks outstanding. It also has a more serious, less common usage meaning to kill in a violent way.
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| triumph |
Best used in formal or dramatic contexts, often referring to a significant victory or achievement, usually after overcoming great difficulty.
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| success |
Appropriate for formal and informal contexts, generally referring to the achievement of a goal or aim, often related to career, education, or personal milestones.
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| victory |
Typically used in competitive contexts, such as sports, games, or conflicts, suggesting the defeat of an opponent.
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Examples of usage
- Her performance was a total slay.
- He delivered a slay on the red carpet.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Pop Culture
- In contemporary slang, to 'slay' often means excelling in fashion or talent, popularized by celebrities and social media.
- RuPaul's Drag Race frequently uses 'slay' to compliment queens who perform exceptionally in challenges.
- The hashtag #Slay is often used on platforms like Instagram to celebrate impressive looks or achievements.
Literature
- Fantasy literature uses 'slay' frequently in tales of heroism, where protagonists defeat dark forces.
- Shakespeare employed 'slay' in works like 'Hamlet', referring to both physical and emotional killing.
- Contemporary novels continue this theme, portraying 'slaying' as both literal combat and metaphorical victories in life.
Psychology
- The term evokes feelings of empowerment; people often use it to celebrate personal achievements.
- Language studies show that using powerful verbs like 'slay' can boost confidence and motivation.
- 'Slaying' in modern vernacular can affirm social identities, particularly in LGBTQ+ communities.
History
- Historically, the word has been used in legal contexts, referring to acts of execution or capital punishment.
- In old folklore, slaying a monster often represented conquering oneโs fears or societal challenges.
- Throughout history, the concept of slay reflects the cultural values of honor, bravery, and heroism.
Origin of 'slay'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'slay' comes from the Old English 'slean', meaning to strike or kill.
- In medieval times, the term was often related to knights battling dragons or enemies, showcasing bravery.
- In modern usage, it has transitioned from its violent roots to express dazzling performance.
The word 'slay' has its origins in African American Vernacular English (AAVE) and gained popularity in mainstream slang in the 2010s. It is often used in the context of fashion, entertainment, and social media to describe someone excelling or impressing in a spectacular way.
Word Frequency Rank
With rank #15,094, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.
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- 15091 monotony
- 15092 proffered
- 15093 proverbial
- 15094 slay
- 15095 denounce
- 15096 phytoplankton
- 15097 wig
- ...