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Welcome to an exploration of queer language and its origins, with the goal of highlighting the amazing ingenuity and diversity of the LGBTQIA+ community. “Do You Speak the Language” is your ticket to learning more about queer slang! Contrary to popular belief, many of Gen-Z’s favorite expressions, such as “Slay'' and “Shade”, originate within the LGBTQIA+ community.
As such, this year’s campaign has a particular focus on words and terminology that’s become part of the mainstream vocabulary, especially on social media.
Class is in session!
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/dɪp/
Noun.
A move in which a person drops to the ground, for the purpose of adding dramatic effect to performances.
Origin: Often mistakenly called “death drops”, dips are an essential element of voguing, a style of dance born in Harlem’s (NY) ballroom scene.
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/ˈsɪk(ə)nɪŋ/
Adj.
Very impressive; excellent; awe-inspiring.
E.g., “Have you seen the models in our Pride campaign? They look sickening!”
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/ˈpɪərɪəˈˈt/
Exclamation
Added to the end of a statement to indicate that no further discussion is possible or desirable.
Origin: Originally from Black communities—specifically attributed to Southern Black gay communities in the USA. Often used by so-called “stan communities” online, as a way to emphasize something which is unarguably true, like: “Britney Spears is iconic, PERIODT.”
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/ɪts ˈɡɪvɪŋ/
Phrase
Used to describe the vibe or feel of something or someone.
E.g., Someone’s millennial look might be described as, “It’s giving Y2K”, or someone’s diva personality might be, “It’s giving Mariah”.
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/eɪt/
Verb
Secure a conclusive victory.
(Often) used to describe a third party’s actions as a show of admiration, or to praise someone who has done a great job. Primarily in the context of fashion, music, or performance, but occasionally in a variety of other contexts as well.
E.g., “Did you hear Cowboy Carter? Beyonce ate that and left no crumbs.”
(“Leaving no crumbs” is another way of adding extra emphasis on how flawless something is, but more on that in our next lecture!)
With that, class is dismissed! We hope you’ve enjoyed your time with us, and learned something valuable.
Happy Pride!
At Happy Socks, we believe that you are only truly yourself when you can freely express what's in your heart. That’s why all products associated with the Happy Socks Pride Collection are available 365 days a year.
They are not only a constant feature in our assortment, but also a way to give back to the LGBTQIA+ community, as 10% of all proceeds are donated to InterPride, the international association for organizers of Pride events around the world.
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