RuPaul's Drag Race has become something of a phenomenon in the past few years. It has taken drag, traditionally a sub-sect of gay culture, and put it out in front of a mainstream audience. The show can best be described as a cross between America's Next Top Model and Project Runway. These drag queens have to make all of their own clothes, be able to sing, dance, do a comedy routine and lip sync the house down to be crowned America's Next Drag Superstar. While it is a blast watching these queens duke it out all season, I noticed something while discussing the show with my friends. Drag Race really does have its own language. I've compiled a list of terms for all you non-drag racers so that when you watch the show, it doesn't seem like they are speaking a different language.
1. Fishy Queen
Recommended for you
This means a drag queen very easily pulls of the illusion of looking like a woman. Often very little makeup is required. See Courtney Act (above) for a perfect example.
2. Trashy Queen
An "unpolished" queen. Think Ke$ha but in drag queen form (no shade, I love Ke$ha). It's sometimes used as an insult, but people like Adore Delano (above) own it and make their persona based on it
3. Butch Queen
Refers to a masculine looking drag queen. It's almost always an insult.
4. Clown
Clown refers to queens who put on very exaggerated makeup that is almost clown-like (hence the name). Usually their strongest talent is also comedy, which further explains the name. Bianca del Rio is a great example (above). Also see Lady Bunny and Trixie Mattell.
5. Realness
A term used often to categorize a look. It means that this is the "real deal." Bianca del Rio is Clown Realness. A category for a runway look could be Roller Derby Realness or Apocalyptic Realness.
6. Serving
The act of showing off something you've got. If your makeup looks amazing and you are showing it off, then you are "serving" face. Showing off your body is "serving body." You can "serve" Roller Derby Realness (showing off a real deal roller derby runway look).
7. Shade
An insult or comment directed at specific person. You can be a shady queen. When you directly insult someone, you're "throwing shade." Usually passive aggressive and subtle.
8. Tea
The "T" or truth. The latest gossip. When you "spill the tea" you spread the gossip.
9. Reading
When you expertly and swiftly expose a persons flaws in the form of insults. The highest form of insult possible, it is considered an art form among the drag community. Bianca del Rio is the Queen of Reading. She can "read you to filth," which means she can unmercifully point out your every flaw. Usually reads aren't taken that offensively and are often made in good fun.
10. Sissy that Walk
To walk with the utmost sass, or strut you can also "sissy the leg" or "sissy that face."
11. Slay
To be the best, or to be on point. Similar to "fierce" or "werk."
12. Yas
A modified version of yes that is used to emphasize how amazing something is. It's often drawn out, like "yaaaaaaaaaaaas."
13. Hunty
An altered version of the word "honey." It's used as a term of endearment when referring to other queens.
14. C.U.N.T
RuPaul's acronym to explain what it takes to be America's next drag superstar. It stands for Charisma, Uniqueness, Nerve and Talent.
15. Beat that Face
To put on makeup, or "beat your face" into submission. You can have your face, "beat for the gods," which means your makeup is perfection.
16. Gag
To be shocked about something, in a good way. For instance, is someone is "gagging" over your outfit, it means it's so good they are shocked.
17. Condragulations
A modified form of congratulations. Used when someone wins a challenge.
18. Lip Sync for Your Life
When the bottom two queens have to lip sync battle to fight to stay in the competition.
19. Shantay you Stay
When the one of the queens that lip syncs gets to stay in the competition.
20. Sashay Away
When one of the bottom queens is eliminated from the competition and is asked to leave the stage.
Well hopefully you have become enlightened to Drag Queen lingo. If you want to really figure out what all these things mean and more, the new season of RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars premieres August 25th at 8 pm. Until then, always remember what Mama Ru says, "If you can't love yourself, how in the heeeell are you gonna love somebody else. Can I get an amen?"
