Over the last decade, thanks to popular TV shows like “RuPaul’s Drag Race,” queer slang, phrases, and colloquialisms have caught the attention of many of us around the world and become a staple of pop culture.

We might be new to these popular phrases and terminologies but drag performers have been using these slangs both in their acts and in their daily lives for several decades now. However, despite the exponential rise in popularity of this language and its terms, many of us are still quite clueless about most of the popular terms in the drag world, which is why we are here to teach you a thing or two!

unsplash/Artem Gavrysh. The first season of “RuPaul’s Drag Race” only featured eight episodes and was produced on a very limited budget

Girl

Although many of us use this term to refer to a female friend, in fact, this word can have many meanings depending on how you use it. If some shares exciting news with you or shares an accomplishment, saying the word ‘Girl’ in response is a congratulatory way of saying, “You go girl!.”

However, if someone shares the sad news of a tragedy or accident, the same word can be used to express sympathy or shock. Found yourself in a physical or verbal altercation with someone? This word can also be used in this instance to show displeasure or anger.

pexels/Greta Hoffman. Depending on the situation and how you say it, the word ‘Girl’ can mean so many different things

Serving

This particular slang was popularised by drag queen and musician Widow Von'Du and has since become a frequently-used term used in the world of fashion. If you refer to yourself or someone as someone who is ‘serving’ looks at a party or on a runway at a fashion show, it means you are dressed to impress and giving the onlookers a visual treat with your appearance.

Okurrr

Hip Hop music fans might be acutely aware of this term by now, all thanks to rapper extraordinaire Cardi B. Although the artist behind anthems like “WAP” popularized this particular term, it has been used by the drag community for quite some time.

If you’re ever looking to say ‘Okay’ but wish to say it with a little more flair and bravado, simply add a few more vowels and consonants to it!

pixabay/Spinechiller. No matter the gender group you belong to or the stage of your life you’re currently at, looking glamorous and flawless is something we all aspire for

Beat/Beating a Face

No matter the gender group you belong to or the stage of your life you’re currently at, looking glamorous and flawless is something we all aspire for. In the drag community, this phrase is referred to as the act of repeatedly dabbing one’s face with the perfect amount of makeup to achieve a flawless look.