Slang #2

Kiki

A ____ is a party or festive gathering, though it can be used as a verb. To ____, for instance, has a double meaning: either to celebrate, or to share gossip. This is perfectly expressed in the Scissor Sisters music video for "Let's Have a ____," and since it stems from ball culture, Paris Is Burning offers examples.

Clock

No, this has nothing to do with time. As Merriam-Webster defines the verb, to _____ is to "hit hard." Therefore, if you _____, are _____ing, or _____ed, someone, you essentially strike them across the head with an insult. It's similar to a "read," but slightly more aggro. The slang version derives from ball culture, too.

Realness

Once again, in ball culture, drag queens participate in voguing competitions during which they're judged for how authentically they can emulate a character's look. The more you mimic someone's demeanor, the closer you've gotten to achieving ________. So if the idea is to look like a Wall Street banker, your goal is to serve (that is, deliver) "Executive ________."

slap, slaps

The good ol' dictionary often helps us better understand slang words today. According to Merriam-Webster, to ____ is to "strike sharply with or as if with the open hand," so the word is now colloquially used to describe something—a song, your meal, new shoes, anything—that strikes you as good, that's impressive. Used in a sentence. This new recipe from Oprah's plant-based diet _____.

On Fleek

This can be used as a replacement for "on point," meaning something has been immaculately executed. Specifically, a 2014 Vine video in which a woman describes her eyebrows as "__ ______" is what brought it into the mainstream. Today, it's used far beyond the context of eyebrows.

to be honest, TBH

This is an acronym for __ __ ______. Often, it's used for emphasis while admitting something about yourself. An example? I really love Lady Gaga, ___. As the Washington Post points out, teenagers using social media today helped make it popular.

No Cap

This is used to emphasize that a statement isn't a lie or hyperbole, so think of it as a synonym for the word seriously. Used in a sentence: Your Halloween costume is incredible, __ ___.

Read

Used as a verb, a "____" is essentially an insult, and a catty way of calling out someone's flaws. The slang term derives from both the Black and LGBTQ communities, and is also regularly used in Paris Is Burning. Mariah Carey's "I don't know her" line about J.Lo is the ultimate ____.

Swerve

While there are several definitions, to ______ is to avoid something, or steer clear of an unwanted situation. Similarly to other terms on this list, it's been historically used in Black culture. And more specifically, it was famously used in the song "Mercy" featuring Kanye West, Big Sean, Pusha T, and 2 Chainz.

Slay

____ is to do something exceptionally well. While Merriam-Webster defines it as, "to kill violently," and traces its etymology to the 12th century, the term as a form of slang picked up steam in—surprise—'80s and '90s ball culture, where LGBTQ people of color used it to compliment someone's outfit or demeanor.