Language is such a complex and interesting thing that I feel like we don't often study as much as we should. Language is how we as people communicate with each other and it's such a diverse field. There are thousands of languages, alive and dead, and many that aren't verbal but based on sight and touch. To me that's incredible! With language comes slang or, a shortened informal way of communicating that typically belongs to certain groups or communities. Every group of people has they're own slang and the LGBTQ+ community is no different. Some people use these phrases and don't even know where they came from, and hunty, that just won't do. So sit back, hold onto your wig, and let me pour you a cup of tea, sis!
1. Shade
'Throwing shade' means to subtlety insult someone either to their face or behind their back. You're not quite going up to someone and saying: "Your outfit looks terrible". There's more "flair" to it and it's not as aggressive (just passive aggressive). Instead someone throwing shade would say: "Oh girl, that top with those pants? That was a choice". There's some sarcasm with it. If someone is "shady" then it means they throw shade often or are two-faced. So go throw some shade, but be careful not to eclipse the sun.
2. Wig/Snatched
Wig is one of those terms that just kind of means anything you want it to in whatever context you're in. Wig can mean "ok" or like "yes, I agree". It can also be used to say, "My wig has been snatched", which means "I'm shocked". If something shocking happens or someone is just looking really extra fine one day you would say "Damn girl, you snatched my wig" or "My wig has flown across the room". Wig came from drag culture, of which physical wigs are actually used heavily. Snatched works with wig but is also its own word altogether. Snatched means that someone is looking hot or very attractive. "Boy, you look snatched!" Snatched can also be used with wig to say that someone looks so good and you're here for it! What are you waiting for, go get snatched and make some wigs fly!
3. Tea
Ok, I get asked what this means way too much. Tea is slang for gossip or juicy details. This word came to be by the word Truth. People short handed the word truth to just the first letter "T" which consequently sounds the same as the summer time drink when said by itself. Because they sound the same, it was just adopted in such a way that when you hear "spill the tea" you're being told to "spill the gossip". "Tea is brewing" would mean "There's some drama building up". The LGBTQ+ community loves a bit of drama, and we're always ready to sit down for tea time.
4. Drag
To drag someone is to call them out for their bulls*** or to make a lighthearted joke. You may also hear people say: "read her for filth" or "drag him through the mud". These all lend themselves to the same idea of holding someone accountable for their actions, however filthy they may be. To drag someone is simply just to be a little shady while keeping people in check.
5. Kiki
This word grew out of Black and Latino/a/x gay culture and essentially means to have a get together with friends for some gossip; basically, my Friday nights. This word gained some popularity from Scissor Sisters' song "Let's Have a Kiki". If you're going to have a kiki, then you must be adequately prepped with snacks, some form of alcohol (usually wine or vodka), and most importantly: PIPING HOT TEA!!! Well what are you waiting for? Go have a Kiki and spill the tea!
6. My Judy
This is one of my favorites as it's a reference to Queer icon Judy Garland. When you say "my Judy" you are referring to a friend that means very much to you. "I would die without my Judy by my side". You can also hear people saying "my good Judy", and it's the exact same thing. It was typically used between gay men to reference each other in conversation while providing themselves a bit of a shield from homophobia. Typically gay men would say "Oh, I'm going out with my good Judy later tonight" if they were ever asked about their love life/significant other and weren't out or were not in a position to be out.
7. Beat
Beat means that something looks really good or like a fun time. Usually you'll hear this said in reference to someone's makeup: "Your face looks beat" or "Her face is beat to the Gods". You can also use it to describe a really fun time: "That party is looks beat".
8. Werk
Britney Spears said it best: "You better work bitch". In Queer culture, werk means to have drive and motivation or to put in a lot of effort to something. "You better werk" essentially means that you better put in some hard work. You may also hear someone just say werk by itself which means that an individual is living their best life and doing really well. "Oh my god, werk queen!" This can also be spelled werq. Who doesn't need a little motivation every now and then?
9. Gag
To be gagged is to be impressed or to be wowed at something. "Oh my god, her look last night had me gagged". It's just to be really impressed with something someone did or in anticipation for something that may be done. When your bestie is out strutting their stuff and looking fierce as hell, then damn bitch, you better be gagging!
Now that you're more knowledgeable in the world of Queer slang go out and have a Kiki with your Judy, just don't be too shady. Also recognize that this language is a part of gay culture and while it's alright to use it from time to time it's not alright to appropriate it and remove it from the queer identity it came from. And that's just the tea, sis!
