What does “Slay” mean in the context of social media?

Slay is a term of high praise used on social media to describe someone who is excelling, standing out, or looking particularly stylish or confident. Originally from LGBTQ+ and drag culture, it has become widely used across platforms to cheer someone on or acknowledge that they absolutely nailed their look, performance, or vibe.

You’ll often see it shouted in comments, used in captions, or paired with phrases like “you slayed that” or “slay queen.”

Example

Absolutely slayed that red carpet look 🔥 Slay queen! 👑 #StyleGoals

What are ways to use “Slay” on social media?

Use Slay in comments or posts to hype up a friend, influencer, or celebrity when they do something impressive, bold, or visually striking. It’s especially common in fashion, beauty, performance, and lifestyle content.

The term can also be used humorously or ironically when someone does something unexpectedly impressive—or even totally over-the-top.

Pro Tip

Don’t just say “slay”—add context! Whether it’s a fierce outfit, a bold move, or an incredible performance, give the compliment power by connecting it to the action.