What Does "Yasss" Mean and How Do You Use It?

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Plus, learn the fascinating roots of this queer pop culture slang word
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Have you seen the slang term “Yasss” all over social media and internet memes (or even texted to you), but you don’t know what it means? “Yasss” is originally an LBGTQ+ term originating from the drag scene and ball culture; it’s basically an exaggerated “Yes” that expresses excitement, enthusiasm, approval, and agreement. In this article, we’ll explain how to use and reply to “Yasss,” as well as cover where it comes from and similar pop culture terms—so read on!

“Yasss” Quick Definition

“Yasss” is a more enthusiastic version of “Yes!” Its meaning is exaggerated by using an “a” and more “s” letters, making “Yasss” a declaration of excitement, celebration, agreement, and approval. It comes from Black drag culture and is an expression of solidarity in the LGBTQ+ community.

Section 1 of 7:

What does “Yasss” mean?

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  1. As an expression of approval, agreement, and excitement, “Yasss” is essentially just the playful slang equivalent of “Yes.” It has the same meaning, although “Yasss” is more emphatic. The “a” and extra “s” letters are meant to add emphasis, turning a simple “Yes” into a forceful, wholehearted “Yes, 100%!” [1]
    • “Yasss, I just scored tickets to Beyoncé!”
    • “Yasss, you look so good in that dress!”
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Section 2 of 7:

How to Use “Yasss”

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  1. When you’re super excited about something and a simple “Yes” isn’t enough to express your glee, use “Yasss” instead. You might use it to celebrate something, for example, or just share your joy and delight with someone else.
    • “Got an A+ on my test today! Yasss!!” [2]
    • “Yasss, I’m so pumped to party with you later!”
  2. “Yes” can also be an expression of approval, indicating that you support or favor something. So, “Yasss” means you approve of something so much you want everyone to know how enthusiastic you are. [3]
    • Them : “Are you into Marvel?”
      You : “Yasss, Marvel superheroes are my faves!”
  3. When someone expresses an opinion that you feel super strongly about (and agree with entirely), show them how you feel. If you respond to them with “Yass,” they’ll know you’re sending a forceful agreement. [4]
    • Them : “I totally adore Britney Spears!”
      You : “Yasss, she’s so fabulous!”
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Section 3 of 7:

How to Reply to “Yasss”

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  1. If someone uses “Yasss” to share how excited they are about something, let them know you’re happy for them (or potentially feel excited, too). They’re feeling happy, so the easiest response is to share their joy!
    • Them : “Yasss, I’m going on vacation to the Bahamas!”
      You : “Woah, that’s awesome! So excited (and jealous) for ya.”
  2. When you’re talking to someone who uses “Yasss” to show that they support something, you can find common ground by showing them you feel the same. From there, you might be able to find more things you both approve of.
    • Them : “Yasss, the new Legend of Zelda game looks so good!”
      You : “For sure! I've loved every LoZ game I've played!”
  3. You’ve expressed an opinion, and the other person agrees with you—that means you have something you can both talk about! For example, you might discuss why you feel a certain way about something or what you like about it.
    • Them : “Yasss, I’m also a huge Star Wars fan!”
      You : “Oh, sweet! What’s your fave movie in the series?”
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Section 4 of 7:

Where does “Yasss” come from?

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  1. Ball culture is a primarily Black and Latino LGBTQ+ subculture with roots in the late 80s, where “Yasss” was an expression of excitement, support, and solidarity. By the 1990s, “Yasss” was taken up by the rest of the LBGTQ+ community too, becoming especially popular in drag queen performances. [5]
    • For example, you can hear “Yasss” in the 1990 documentary Paris is Burning , which is all about ball culture in New York City.
    • Yasss” spread throughout pop culture during the 2010s. For example, the term went viral in a video of a Lady Gage fan admiring the singer’s outfit; later, it was used in an episode of Broad City .
Section 5 of 7:

What does "Yassify" mean?

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  1. By 2021, "Yassifying" images became an internet meme involving adding AI-based beauty filters to photos and videos of people to make them more glamorous for silly results. In general, "yassifying" yourself or someone else means adding makeup or covering up features that might be considered unappealing. [6]
    • “Check out this yassified pic of dad, haha!”
    • “Omg, yassified classic art is hilarious!”
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Section 6 of 7:

Other Versions of “Yasss”

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  1. “Yasss, queen!” is a slang term originating in LGBTQ+ drag culture, particularly among Black and Latino drag queens (though it’s used more broadly today). “Yasss, queen” expresses solidarity, support, and endearment, typically used to cheer people on (or used between drag queens to compliment one another). [7]
    • “Yasss, queen, you look fierce right now!”
    • “Yasss, queen, you do you!”
  2. “Yasss” can be spelled many different ways. You might see it spelled with greater or fewer “s” letters (like “Yas,” Yass,” or “Yasssss”), for example. You might also see it spelled with multiple “a” letters instead (or in addition to) “s”—like “Yaaas” or “Yaaass.” Regardless, every spelling means the same thing; the spelling is just a matter of personal taste. [8]
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Section 7 of 7:

Who can use “Yasss”?

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  1. Despite its LGBTQ+ origins, “Yasss” has become a popular slang term for all millennials (and younger generations). It’s still most common within the LGBTQ+ community, but anyone can use it; it doesn’t have an automatic sexual subtext or implication about sexual orientation.
    • In the 2010s, there was a discussion over whether using “Yasss” was a form of appropriation from the Black and Latino LBGTQ+ community.
    • Nonetheless, “Yasss” is a mainstream term (and has been for several years); just be aware of its origins and the fact that it may have extra significance for members of the queer community.

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      References

      1. ↑ https://slang.net/meaning/yasss
      2. ↑ https://slang.net/meaning/yasss
      3. ↑ https://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=Yasss
      4. ↑ https://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=Yasss
      5. ↑ https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/arts-and-entertainment/wp/2016/08/24/rupauls-drag-race-is-more-than-a-tv-show-its-a-movement/
      6. ↑ https://knowyourmeme.com/memes/yassification
      7. ↑ https://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=Yasss
      8. ↑ https://slang.net/meaning/yasss

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