slay
/sleɪ/- 1.
To kill a person or creature, usually in a violent or dramatic way. This is the original, traditional meaning and is mostly found in literature, myths, and news.
- The hero slays the dragon in the final chapter of the story.
- Thousands were slain in the brutal battle.
- The knight swore to slay the monster terrorizing the village.
- 2.
In modern slang, to do something in an extremely impressive way, or to look absolutely stunning. When you slay, you perform or present yourself so well that people are amazed.
- She slayed that presentation — the whole room was speechless.
- He slayed the audition and got the lead role.
- You're going to slay in that outfit tonight.
Used as an exclamation to cheer someone on or to show strong admiration for something impressive they did or wore. Often said as encouragement.
- She walked in with a new haircut and everyone shouted, 'Slay!'
- Slay! That performance was absolutely incredible.
Adinary Nuance
Traditional dictionaries still lead with "to kill," but that is not how most people use "slay" today — especially online and among younger speakers. The modern slang meaning (to perform brilliantly or look stunning) exploded into mainstream English through social media and pop culture, especially after Beyoncé's 2016 anthem. This shift happened so fast that many ESL learners encounter the slang sense first — and may be confused when they see the old meaning in books or news headlines. The two meanings share almost no overlap in everyday conversation: context makes it immediately clear which sense is intended.
In other languages
- Vietnamese
- quá hay
- Spanish
- arrasar
- Chinese
- 太棒了
- Japanese
- 最高
- Korean
- 멋지다
Etymology
From Old English "slēan," meaning to strike or kill, used in English since before the 12th century. The modern slang sense — meaning to impress greatly — emerged from African American Vernacular English (AAVE) and LGBTQ+ ballroom culture, going mainstream globally in the 2010s.
Common phrases
Synonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
- Is 'slay' a compliment?
- Yes, in modern usage 'slay' is always a compliment. If someone says you 'slayed,' it means you looked amazing or did something brilliantly. The old meaning of 'kill' is only used in formal, literary, or news contexts.
- Can I use 'slay' in formal writing or professional emails?
- No — the modern slang sense of 'slay' is very informal and belongs in casual conversation, social media, or texts between friends. In professional or academic writing, use words like 'excelled,' 'delivered,' or 'impressed' instead.
- What does 'slay queen' mean?
- 'Slay queen' is a slang phrase used to describe someone — usually a woman — who is consistently stylish, confident, and impressive. It can be a genuine compliment or, in some contexts, light sarcasm. The tone depends on the speaker.
- Is 'slay' only used by young people?
- It is most common among younger speakers and on platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter, but it has spread widely enough that many adults use it too. If you use it with older colleagues or in formal settings, it may sound out of place.