Slay: meaning, definitions and examples

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slay

 

[ sleษช ]

Verb / Noun
Context #1 | Verb

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?

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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.

  • She absolutely slayed her presentation today.
  • Wow, you totally slayed that outfit!
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.

  • The team dominated the entire season without losing a single game.
  • She dominated the market with her innovative product.
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.

  • You killed it on stage tonight!
  • Theyโ€™re killing it with their new marketing campaign.
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.

  • You really crushed it in that meeting, great job!
  • Heโ€™s been crushing it at the gym lately.

Examples of usage

  • She absolutely slayed the runway with her fierce walk.
  • The singer slayed her performance at the concert.
Context #2 | Verb

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?

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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.

  • She slayed her performance at the talent show.
  • That outfit totally slays.
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.

  • He nailed his job interview.
  • You really nailed that presentation!
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.

  • She walked into the meeting and totally owned it.
  • If you want to succeed, you have to own it.
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.

  • You really rocked that song on stage!
  • She is going to rock her new job.

Examples of usage

  • She slayed her makeup in that selfie.
  • He slayed the dance floor at the party.
Context #3 | Noun

slang

A remarkable or outstanding performance or achievement, especially in the context of fashion or entertainment.

Synonyms

success, triumph, victory.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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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.

  • She absolutely slayed at the concert last night!
  • The dragon was slayed by the brave knight.
triumph

Best used in formal or dramatic contexts, often referring to a significant victory or achievement, usually after overcoming great difficulty.

  • Their triumph against all odds was truly inspiring.
  • Winning the championship was a moment of pure triumph for the team.
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.

  • She achieved great success in her business.
  • The project's success was due to the hard work of the entire team.
victory

Typically used in competitive contexts, such as sports, games, or conflicts, suggesting the defeat of an opponent.

  • The team celebrated their victory after the final match.
  • The victory in the battle boosted the troops' morale.

Examples of usage

  • Her performance was a total slay.
  • He delivered a slay on the red carpet.

Translations

Translations of the word "slay" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น matar

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคฎเคพเคฐเคจเคพ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช tรถten

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ membunuh

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะฒะฑะธะฒะฐั‚ะธ

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ zabijaฤ‡

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ๆฎบใ™ (korosu)

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท tuer

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ matar

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท รถldรผrmek

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ์ฃฝ์ด๋‹ค (jugida)

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ู‚ุชู„ (qatal)

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ zabรญt

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ zabiลฅ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ๆ€ๆญป (shฤ sว)

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ ubiti

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ drepa

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ำฉะปั‚ั–ั€ัƒ

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒ›แƒแƒ™แƒ•แƒšแƒ (mokvla)

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ รถldรผrmษ™k

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ matar

Etymology

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.

See also: slayer, slaying.

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.