Who first said "slay"?

How "Slay" Took Over the World

It’s impossible to scroll through social media today without seeing the word “slay” tossed around like confetti. From fashion wins to confidence flexes, it’s the go-to compliment. But long before it became a viral hashtag, “slay” had a much deeper, more powerful origin.

The phrase didn’t start in pop culture or celebrity tweets—it grew from the streets, ballrooms, and vibrant queer communities of New York City in the 1970s and ’80s. It was Black and Latinx gay and trans drag queens who first breathed life into “slay,” using it to celebrate someone who delivered fierce confidence, flawless looks, or undeniable talent on the dance floor. To slay was to conquer—not just the room, but the weight of marginalization and invisibility.

The term gained wider recognition through the groundbreaking 1990 documentary Paris is Burning, which captured the brilliance and resilience of the ballroom scene. In those moments, “slay” wasn’t just slang—it was a declaration of survival, artistry, and self-worth.

Over time, mainstream culture absorbed the word, stripping away much of its context. Now it’s everywhere—on T-shirts, in ad campaigns, and in the mouths of celebrities who likely never heard of Pepper LaBeija or Venus Xtravaganza. While its popularity is a form of recognition, it also reflects a pattern of appropriation: Black queer voices create, and the rest of the world profits.

So when someone says “you slay,” there’s more behind those two syllables than flair or fashion. It’s a legacy—one stitched from sequins, struggle, and undeniable strength. And maybe, just maybe, using it with that awareness brings it a little closer to home.