type
verb / interjection
pronounced
/slay/
emerged
2014
status
mainstream

slay

   celebratory, empowering, camp

the one-line answer

To perform excellently or look amazing. Can be used as a standalone reaction.

Slay comes from ballroom and drag culture where it meant to perform with excellence. It moved into Black and queer internet spaces, then went fully mainstream. Saying 'slay' at something means it is impressive, excellent, or confident. As an interjection it just means 'yes, excellent, keep going.'

mainstream

Your coworker might use this word.

01 / in the wild

hear it move.

praise
she walked in and absolutely slayed.
She looked incredible and commanded the room.
reaction
slay. literally slay.
That was excellent. I approve completely.
03 / don't confuse

similar, not the same.

slay

Both mean excellent performance

vs
ate

Ate is newer and more specific to a moment.