What is Drag in Slang? A Comprehensive Guide

Drag, in its modern slang usage, refers to a few interrelated concepts – most commonly the act of crossdressing, especially for performance, as well as aspects of LGBTQ+ culture more broadly. While the exact origins of ‘drag‘ as a term are murky, it emerged in the late 19th century theater scene and has evolved significantly over the past century. Here we‘ll explore the many meanings and connotations of ‘drag‘ in slang, tracing its linguistic and cultural history.

Definitions and Origins

The most common definitions of ‘drag‘ as a slang term are:

• Crossdressing, especially by men dressing in exaggerated feminine attire. This usage originated from male actors playing female roles on stage while wearing dresses and skirts that would ‘drag‘ along the floor.

• A performance by someone crossdressing, usually as an over-the-top impersonation of a woman for comedic or theatrical effect. Drag shows emerged as their own popular entertainment genre in the early 20th century.

• Gender nonconformity and transvestism more broadly, both on and off stage. ‘Drag‘ can refer to any instance of wearing clothes traditionally associated with the opposite gender.

• Aspects of LGBTQ+ culture like drag shows, balls, pageants and a distinct sense of queer style/aesthetics. ‘Drag‘ also operates as a reclaimed word taken on proudly by the community.

The word ‘drag‘ originated as British theater slang in the late 1800s, referring to the long skirts and dresses worn by male actors playing female roles. The earliest known published use of ‘drag‘ in this context is from 1870. Prior to the 1600s, female parts were played exclusively by men as women were banned from appearing on stage.

Related slang terms from the same era are ‘drag act‘ referring to crossdressing performers, and ‘in drag‘ meaning dressed as the opposite gender. By the early 20th century ‘drag‘ had emerged as shorthand for male transvestism more broadly, whether for theatrical purposes or not.

Key Slang Phrases

"That‘s a drag"

This usage of ‘drag‘ to simply mean something boring, annoying or unpleasant dates back to the early 1900s. It‘s an abbreviation of the idiom ‘that‘s a drag and a bore.‘

"Drag queen/king"

A drag queen is a male-assigned person who performs femininity and crossdresses as a woman for entertainment. A drag king is a female-assigned person who performs and crossdresses as a man. Drag queens and kings may be gay, straight, bisexual, transgender, genderfluid or otherwise queer-identified.

"In drag"

To be dressed as the opposite gender, especially for a performance. This phrase highlights the theatrical roots of drag culture.

"Genderfuck drag"

A style of drag intended to subvert traditional gender presentation and expression, often mixing highly feminine and masculine elements together. Genderfuck drag is associated with rolaskatox and other alternative drag scenes.

"High drag" / "Low drag"

In this context, ‘high drag‘ refers to very glamorous, elaborate drag while ‘low drag‘ is more understated and minimalist. ‘High drag‘ generally requires wigs, full makeup, padding, etc.

"Drag family"

A chosen family/community structure especially common in ball culture. Veteran drag queens will mentor newer queens under their ‘drag mother‘ guidance. Sisters within a drag family are called ‘drag daughters.‘

"Drag name"

The feminine or masculine stage name and persona adopted by people who perform in drag. Most queens and kings use a distinct drag name separate from their everyday name and identity.

"Fishy drag"

Drag queens who pass as cisgender women with ease are described as ‘fishy‘ – as in serving up ‘realness.‘ The term originates from the idea that vaginas smell like fish. Problematic connotations aside, fishy is intended as a compliment on a very natural, beautiful femininity in drag.

"Drag ball"

Balls are events centered on drag pageantry and competition, designed for participants to walk, dance, vogue and pose to the judges in different categories or themes. Balls have been integral in queer communities of color since as early as 1869.

Drag in LGBTQ+ Culture

Drag culture and performance has always been closely tied to LGBTQ+ communities, spaces and events. Up until the Stonewall Riots in 1969, bars and clubs hosting drag shows were some of the only public queer-friendly venues in most cities.

In the early 1900s, drag balls provided a rare outlet for same-gender loving and transgender people of color to freely express themselves in a safe, judgment-free environment. Leaders of the ball scene, such as Marsha P. Johnson and Poppy Wilson, were also at the forefront of queer liberation and trans advocacy.

Today drag has exploded into the mainstream with the global success of RuPaul‘s Drag Race, though concerns around the show‘s representation and impact on local scenes persist. Many see drag as an important political tool and mode of gender dissent, while others argue that drag can reflect or reinforce harmful stereotypes. There‘s no doubt though that ‘drag‘ holds a significant place in our cultural lexicon – far beyond its theatrical origins.

Key Aspects of Drag Culture

Performativity

Drag revolves around the exaggeration and theatricality of femininity/masculinity as a performance. Makeup, hair, costumes and personae are carefully crafted and then performed through dance, lipsync, and creative presentations.

Subversion

At its core, drag subverts and plays with traditional gender expression. Through drag, performers are able to destabilize the binary gender system and demonstrate the ‘constructedness‘ of all gender.

Androgyny

Drag also makes room to celebrate genderfluidity and hybridity through androgynous looks and characters that transgress the male/female binary. Popular figures like Grace Jones brought androgynous drag to the forefront.

Intersectionality

Issues of race, class, size, age, ability and more are all integrated within drag, as marginalization and structures of power are inseparable forces. Politics are at the heart of drag for many performers.

Glamour

A dramatic, eye-catching sense of style is key. While some contemporary scenes like Bushwig highlight avant-garde looks, most mainstream drag emphasizes beauty, glamour and exaggerated elegance in dress and presentation.

Confidence

Drag performers exhibit incredible confidence to embrace femininity and break gender taboos. Drag culture promotes the dismantling of traditional masculinity expectations like stoicism.

Shade

‘Throwing shade‘ and reading one another is central to drag‘s playful spirit. At its best, shade and callouts come from a place of mutual respect and growth. Drag slang and humor is ripe with shade.

Notable Drag Slang Terms

Drag culture has spawned an extensive vocabulary of slang terms, shade, in-jokes and lingo. Here are some key examples:

• Beat – heavy makeup that transforms the face through contouring and highlights. A ‘beat face‘ takes skill!

• Charisma, Uniqueness, Nerve and Talent – the core criteria for excellence in drag, according to RuPaul.

• Eleganza – high fashion, editorial, and luxurious style taken to the next level. Serving total eleganza extravaganza!

• Fishy – ability to pass convincingly as a cis woman. Fishy queens look gorgeously feminine. See also: passability politics concerns.

• Gagging – being so impressed that you‘re left speechless. Gagging over every look!

• Halleloo – enthusiastic exclamation and trilled rally cry, popularized by Shangela. Halleloo!

• Hunty/Henny – term of endearment. "Come through hunty!"

• Kai kai – when drag queens hook up out of drag.

• Mawma – affectionate term for a drag mother. "Yes mawma!"

• Nails – on point styling. "Her nails are always flawless."

• Painted – made up in drag makeup. "Painted for the gods!"

• Purse first – walking with attitude and confidence. "Purse first!"

• Serving – displaying excellence and realness. "Serving face, body, lewks for days!"

• Shade – subtle, witty insults and callouts. Reading and throwing shade is an art form.

• Sickening – synonym for "fierce" or "amazing". That performance was sickening!

• Snatch(ed) – stunning transformation into drag, or period. Looking snatched in that gown, wig and beat!

• Spill the tea – gossip spreading. Time for some piping hot tea spillage!

• Werk – enthusiastic praise for flawlessness. "Werk that runway diva!"

This vocabulary offers just a taste of ever-evolving drag slang. New terms arise constantly within the scene!

Drag in the Media Spotlight

While drag culture took off in underground queer spaces, it has received growing mainstream media attention over the decades. Here are some key moments:

• 1960s: Divine became the world‘s first openly drag movie star, embraced by Andy Warhol and John Waters‘ camp style.

• 1970s: Coinciding with second wave feminism, drag acts popped up across avant-garde theater and rock music spaces.

• 1980s: RuPaul rose to fame as the first drag supermodel, releasing Supermodel of the World.

• 1990s: "Drag is the new black" as drag balls went mainstream with Jenny Livingston‘s documentary Paris is Burning.

• 2000s: Movies focused on drag and trans narratives like Boys Don‘t Cry, Hedwig and Priscilla Queen of the Desert.

• 2010s to today: RuPaul‘s Drag Race brings a fierce competition and spotlight to drag performance and culture. DragCon conventions, Vegas residencies and Werq the World tours captivate audiences worldwide.

While still controversial in some circles, drag has become more socially acceptable and visible across entertainment media over recent decades. However, concerns around misrepresentation and commercialization of drag culture continue. Authenticity and community-building remain at the heart of drag‘s mission for many.

Drag 101 Terminology

For newcomers, the terminology around drag identities and practices can be confusing. Here‘s a quick 101 overview:

• Drag queen – Someone assigned male at birth who performs femininity in a drag context. Can identify as cis, trans or nonbinary.

• Drag king – Someone assigned female at birth who performs masculinity through drag.

• Faux queen – Someone assigned female at birth who performs hyper-femininity in drag as a queen character. Also called AFAB queens.

• Nonbinary drag artist – Drag performers who identify outside the male/female binary. They/them pronouns are typically used.

• Dragula – Drag focused on avant-garde, goth, horror and filth aesthetics, popularized by the show Dragula.

• Hyperqueen – Someone assigned female at birth who dresses/performs as a woman, often with exaggerated femininity.

• Pronouns – Always respect a drag artist‘s stated pronouns. Many use she/her when in drag and other pronouns when not.

The line between drag and trans identity is complex. Some trans women who perform are celebratory of drag roots, while others view drag and transness as wholly separate. There is no ‘one way’ to do drag or navigate gender expression. The art form ultimately offers a powerful medium for positive social change.

Controversies and Considerations

While drag has undeniably shaken up gender norms and given voice to marginalized LGBTQ+ people, the scene contends with legitimate issues and debates as well. Here are some key points:

Representation and inclusion – Racism, transphobia, sizeism and other forms of bias have impacted drag spaces. Many communities feel excluded from mainstream commercial drag. There are growing calls for equity in all aspects of drag culture.

Sexualization – Sexualized performances and emphasis on passability as a woman have faced criticism for contributing to misogyny, transphobia and unrealistic beauty standards. However, drag also subverts and plays with these societal messages.

Cis male privilege – As media spotlight focuses on cis gay male queens, opportunities for trans and AFAB/feminine drag artists can be limited. This reflects broader trends of sexism and trans erasure in LGBTQ+ communities.

Appropriation – White or straight performers adopting drag purely as costuming without respect for its cultural weight and meaning has proved controversial. Drag‘s roots within activist movements of queer people and people of color should be honored.

In navigating these tensions, a spirit of community, education, accountability and celebrating diversity can help build a more inclusive drag scene for all.

The Bottom Line

While tracing its origins to obscure theater slang from 1800s Britain, ‘drag‘ has transformed over the past century to encompass a diverse array of performance styles, identities, aesthetics and cultural meaning. For many LGBTQ+ people, drag has offered a lifeline for self-expression and building chosen family connections.

At its heart, drag subverts and shakes up the gender binary – taking something as manufactured as gender and exploding it with creativity. Though mainstream drag has sacrificed some edge for broader appeal, local scenes thrive with new generations taking up the mantle. ‘Drag‘ remains a polarizing and powerful force in our everyday vernacular.