What does slay mean?
“Slay” is a verb with two strongly contrasting modern uses. In informal speech, especially among younger speakers and online, it means to perform exceptionally well or make a strong impression: a comedian might say that a joke “slayed,” or a team might be praised for slaying the competition. In literary, historical, or dramatic contexts, it means to kill someone, often in a violent manner; this sense also appears in expressions such as “slay a dragon.” The word can additionally mean to defeat something completely. Its informal celebratory sense has become especially prominent in contemporary internet language, while the older sense remains recognizable from literature, folklore, and historical writing. The varied uses give “slay” an unusually dramatic tone, combining ideas of destruction and excellence.
To perform or succeed exceptionally well; to impress others strongly, especially in informal usage.
"She slayed the audition and secured the lead role."
Informal and often hyperbolic; particularly common in youth and internet speech.
To kill someone, especially in a literary, historical, or deliberately dramatic sense.
"The warrior vowed to slay his enemies."
Literary, archaic, or deliberately dramatic in modern usage; it can sound violent or exaggerated.
To defeat or destroy someone or something completely.
"The champions slayed the opposition in the final match."
Common in sports and competitive contexts, where it can be informal or emphatic.
From a violent historical verb to internet slang for an outstanding performance, 'slay' has made a dramatic comeback.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does slay come from?
The word descends from Old English slægan, meaning “to kill” or “to strike down.” Its modern past participle, “slain,” reflects the older Germanic past-participle form and is now chiefly literary. The word belongs to a Germanic vocabulary associated with striking or killing, while its modern informal sense of performing exceptionally well developed comparatively recently.
Related word forms
How slay is actually used
The informal sense is especially common in youth and internet usage and may be hyperbolic. The older meaning 'kill' is now literary, archaic, or intentionally dramatic and can sound violent or exaggerated in casual conversation.