Editor’s note: The content of all opinion sections reflects the author’s personal views only and does not represent the position taken by The Collegian or its editorial board.
It seems as if every week a new word or phrase is thrust into the spotlight of popular culture. Whether it’s gaining attention through TikTok or Twitter, it’s quickly permeating the language of primarily her Gen Z people.
The origins of these terms are widely misunderstood and completely unknown to most people. The traditional influencers we recognize on social media are known for pioneering beauty and health trends, but when it comes to everyday terminology, drag culture and the brilliant minds who created it You can be grateful.
People who wear wigs are known for their resourcefulness and genius with makeup brushes, and they coined many of the colloquialisms we speak today. So let’s give credit where credit is due and give these queens the attention they truly deserve.
gag
Gagging, intended to be used momentarily, is synonymous with shock. Have you ever been in a room with someone who looked incredibly goddess-like and divine, but looked like they hadn’t showered in five days? They gagged you.
Being gagged is when a person, situation, or thing is so intense that you lose your mind and choke on your words. If another drag queen makes a look or comeback that leaves everyone else speechless, you’ve gagged everyone else in the room.
This is certainly not a bad thing. Admitting that you are gagged or that someone else is gagged is a big step towards self-awareness. And Lord knows some of us don’t have it.
Serve CUNT
“Serving CUNT” is another way of saying someone embodies or portrays power and reality, regardless of gender identity. And unless you’re someone who frequently watches “RuPaul’s Drag Race,” the meaning behind this movie may come as a complete shock.
Used by drag queens as the ultimate compliment, “CUNT” stands for charisma, uniqueness, nerve, and talent. The term, which originally gained mainstream popularity on his Twitter in 2021, was introduced by drag queens in the early 2010s.
In 2017, RuPaul released his song “Charisma, Uniqueness, Nerve & Talent” and certified the phrase as a drag classic.
Kiki
My personal favorites on this list are:“Having a kiki” essentially means gossiping. My roommate and I often use this in place of a “morning debrief.” Because seriously, it’s so much more fun that way.
In drug parlance, “kiki” is a literal translation of “talkative,” but it has a more pizzazz-like meaning. For example, if a certain person is again doing something annoying that you hate, you might need Kiki with your best friend to really psychoanalyze the situation.
Raising a Kiki is not an easy task. This is a ritual and an important part of friendship, fostering new bonds and strengthening existing ones. Yes, it can get messy. But was there really any other way?
she is such a mother
Lana Del Rey, Beyoncé, RuPaul, Megan Thee Stallion — I’m sure you’ve heard someone refer to at least one of these people as “mom” or “mama” at some point. Masu. Like mother figures, these pop culture icons have shaped how we perceive the world and approach certain issues.
according to New York Times articleCalling someone who identifies as a woman “mom” is a way to honor their accomplishments and successes in their respective industries, such as modeling, acting, or singing.
Introduced in the New York City ballroom scene of the 1970s, the term “mother” was a byproduct of the racism drag performers faced at the time. Drag culture encouraged surrogate family bonds for LGBTQIA+ people of color and gave rise to the use of the phrase “she’s so motherly.”
snatch
“Stolen” at this point has been fixed in English. This classic drag term is used to describe someone with flawless eye makeup and winged liner, or an hourglass waist.
Drag involves some of the most complex artistic expressions one can perform, including makeup, styling, and fashion. So when the Queen shows up with her amazing full beats and magical costumes, the biggest compliment they receive is, “You’ve been snatched, young lady.”
“Snatched” is also used in shady contexts. If you’ve ever heard the phrase “snatched her wig,” it’s because someone made a very sharp comment that metaphorically made the other person feel weak, just as removing a wig reveals someone’s weakness. It means “deprived” of one’s calmness and dignity.
From shock factor to LGBTQIA+ empowerment, these phrases and words enrich our language while honoring the creativity of drag culture. Let’s start celebrating their influence and honoring the queens who gifted us with these linguistic treasures.
Contact Claire Vogl at [email protected] or on Twitter @clairecvogl.