Drag Slang Guide: 100 Essential Terms to Werk It in the Ballroom Scene

Drag Slang Guide

Drag culture and the ballroom scene are vibrant subcultures steeped in history, creativity, and community. Over decades, these movements have given rise to an intricate and colorful lexicon—drag slang—that encapsulates the charisma, uniqueness, nerve, and talent of the individuals who bring these spaces to life. From the pulsating rhythms of voguing to the fierce struts of the runway, drag slang is the heartbeat of self-expression, identity, and celebration.

This guide is your comprehensive introduction to the rich tapestry of drag slang, from iconic phrases birthed in the Harlem ballroom scene of the 1980s to contemporary terms popularized by shows like RuPaul’s Drag Race. Whether you’re a newcomer seeking to understand the lingo or a seasoned queen looking to brush up on your vocabulary, this list of 100 essential terms will ensure you’re always ready to werk it in style.

Understanding Drag Slang

What is Drag Slang?

Drag slang is a dynamic language of expression that originated in LGBTQIA+ communities, particularly among Black and Latinx individuals in the ballroom culture. It incorporates humor, wit, and cultural references, creating a lexicon that celebrates individuality and resilience.

The Role of Drag Slang in Ballroom Culture

In the ballroom scene, slang is not just communication—it’s an art form. It defines categories in competitions, sets the tone for critiques, and serves as a marker of cultural belonging. It’s both playful and powerful, offering a way to affirm identities and foster connection.

The Ultimate List of 100 Drag Slang Terms

1. A to E

   1. Beat: Perfectly applied makeup.
   2. Boots: An exclamation to emphasize a point (e.g., “fierce boots”).
   3. Ball: A competitive event featuring drag and voguing categories.
   4. Body-ody-ody: A term celebrating someone’s physicality or figure.
   5. Camp: Exaggerated, theatrical, or over-the-top style.
   6. Category Is: The theme or style being judged in a competition.
   7. Clock: To notice or call attention to something (e.g., “Did you clock her wig?”).
   8. Chop: A disqualification or elimination in a competition.
   9. C*nty: Fierce, bold, and confident.
   10. Charisma, Uniqueness, Nerve, and Talent (C.U.N.T.): Qualities celebrated in drag culture.
   11. Drag: The art of performance using makeup, costumes, and persona.
   12. Death Drop: A dramatic dance move that ends in a fall.
   13. Dusted: Looking polished and flawless.
   14. Executive Realness: A ballroom category where contestants embody corporate elegance.

   F to J

   15. Face: A category focused on showcasing stunning beauty.
   16. Fishy: Looking traditionally feminine.
   17. Frock Destroyer: A queen who leaves no holds barred in their performance.
   18. Fierce: Someone or something exceptionally impressive.
   19. Gagging: Extreme excitement or surprise.
   20. Glitterati: Fabulous and glamorous individuals in the drag scene.
   21. Goop: To shock or surprise someone.
   22. House: A chosen family of drag performers and mentors.
   23. Hunty: A blend of “honey” and “c*nty.”
   24. Kai Kai: Romantic or sexual involvement between drag queens.
   25. Kiki: A fun, informal gathering or party.
   26. Legendary: A status reserved for icons in the drag and ballroom scene.
   27. Lip Sync for Your Life: A performance battle to avoid elimination in competitions.
   28. Living: Experiencing joy or amazement (e.g., “I’m living for that look!”).

   K to O

   29. Mug: A queen’s face, especially when expertly made up.
   30. Mother: A respected elder or leader in the drag community.
   31. Opulence: Wealth, luxury, and extravagance, often exaggerated for effect.
   32. Ovah: A term used to describe something outstanding or amazing.
   33. Outfit Change: A surprise reveal of a different costume during a performance.

   P to T

   34. Padding: Using materials to enhance curves.
   35. Party: A celebration or something fun (e.g., “The look is a party!”).
   36. Pose: To strike a dramatic or stylish posture.
   37. Pulling Stunts: Dramatic or over-the-top behavior.
   38. Queen: A drag performer, usually embodying femininity.
   39. Reading: A sharp critique, often humorous.
   40. Realness: Authenticity in embodying a certain style or identity.
   41. Runway: A platform for showcasing outfits and personas.
   42. Serving: Delivering a standout performance or look.
   43. Shade: A subtle or clever insult.
   44. Shantay, You Stay: A phrase used to declare someone safe in a competition.
   45. Showgirl: A glamorous drag queen.
   46. Sickening: Exceptionally amazing.
   47. Slay: To excel or dominate in a performance.
   48. Squirrel Friend: A close friend in the drag community.
   49. Snatched: Flawlessly styled or looking great.
   50. Spill the Tea: To share gossip or the truth.
   51. Strut: To walk confidently and stylishly.

   U to Z

   52. Tens Across the Board: Perfect scores in a competition.
   53. Tuck: Tucking genitals for a smoother silhouette.
   54. Turn It Out: To deliver an incredible performance.
   55. Twirl: To spin or dance energetically.
   56. Unclockable: Flawless, with no visible flaws.
   57. Vanity: Self-admiration and confidence in one’s appearance.
   58. Voguing: A stylized dance form originating in ballroom culture.
   59. Walking: Competing in a specific ballroom category.
   60. Werk: To perform with confidence and flair.
   61. Yas Queen: An enthusiastic expression of approval.

   Bonus Terms

   62. Androgyny: Blending masculine and feminine qualities.
   63. Battle: A head-to-head competition between performers.
   64. Campy Realness: A mix of authenticity and exaggerated style.
   65. Drama Queen: Someone who thrives on theatrics.
   66. Eleganza Extravaganza: An extravagant runway presentation.
   67. Femme Queen: A transgender woman or drag queen who presents as very feminine.
   68. Golden Child: The standout member of a drag family.
   69. Hot Glue Queen: A queen who creates costumes using quick DIY methods.
   70. Judy: A term for a close friend, inspired by Judy Garland.
   71. Lipsync Assassin: A performer known for dominating lip-sync battles.
   72. Mop: To steal or take without permission.
   73. Purse First: A phrase popularized by Bob the Drag Queen, encouraging entering a room stylishly.
   74. Queerdo: An affectionate term for someone uniquely queer.
   75. Shook: Shocked or amazed.
   76. Spinning the Scene: Creating a captivating moment.
   77. Tina Burner: A term for someone who loves drama (based on drag performer Tina Burner).
   78. Trade: A man perceived as attractive or desirable.
   79. Vixen: A bold, unapologetic queen.
   80. Werk Room: The backstage area where queens prepare.
   81. Wigsnatch: To expose or outdo someone dramatically.
   82. Wig: A term signifying amazement or being blown away (e.g., “Wig flew!”).

   Expanded Terms (83–100)

   83. Banji: Ghetto-fabulous or street-chic style.
   84. Bootleg: Cheap or poorly executed drag.
   85. Crisp: Extremely polished and clean.
   86. Duckwalk: A voguing move performed close to the ground.
   87. Earning Your Tens: Proving yourself in ballroom competitions.
   88. Fashion Queen: A drag queen known for impeccable style.
   89. Flex: To show off a talent or skill.
   90. Golden Handshake: A dramatic exit or farewell.
   91. Line: A sequence of voguing poses or moves.
   92. Mug Shot: A close-up selfie showcasing makeup.
   93. Reclaiming: Turning an insult into empowerment.
   94. Serving Body: Highlighting one’s physique.
   95. Shoes: A reference to bringing one’s best performance (“Put on your performance shoes”).
   96. Soft Sculpture: A term for contouring makeup.
   97. Statement Piece: A bold costume or accessory.
   98. Tea Spilled: Revealed gossip or truth.
   99. Tight: A term for excellent execution or fit.
   100. Under the Lights: Performing with full attention.

How Drag Slang Has Evolved

Influences from Pop Culture

Shows like RuPaul’s Drag Race and mainstream LGBTQIA+ representation have propelled drag slang into popular culture. Terms like “sashay away” and “shantay you stay” are now widely recognized.

Intersection with Social Media

Platforms like Instagram and TikTok have amplified drag slang, allowing queens and enthusiasts to share their creativity globally.

Tips for Using Drag Slang Respectfully

1. Understand the Context: Drag slang is deeply tied to queer history and culture. Recognize its origins before using it.
2. Avoid Appropriation: Appreciate and celebrate drag culture without exploiting or diluting its significance.
3. Engage with the Community: Attend drag shows, support queens, and immerse yourself in the culture authentically.

Conclusion

The language of drag is more than just slang—it’s a legacy. Each term tells a story of resilience, creativity, and pride within LGBTQIA+ communities. By learning and appreciating drag slang, you’re not only enriching your vocabulary but also honoring the vibrant culture it represents.

Whether you’re strutting on the runway or supporting from the sidelines, understanding these terms ensures you can fully participate in and celebrate the magic of drag and ballroom culture. Now, go out there and werk it—because the world is your runway!

References

• Bailey, M. (2013). Butch Queens Up in Pumps: Gender, Performance, and Ballroom Culture in Detroit. University of Michigan Press.
• Bronski, M. (2011). A Queer History of the United States. Beacon Press.
• RuPaul’s Drag Race Glossary.

See Also: EDM Slang Guide: 100 Essential Terms to Rave Like a Pro