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

PDF download Download Article
Plus, learn the fascinating roots of this queer pop culture slang word
PDF download Download Article

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?

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/0\/0c\/Yasss-Step-1.jpg\/v4-460px-Yasss-Step-1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/0\/0c\/Yasss-Step-1.jpg\/v4-728px-Yasss-Step-1.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    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!”
    2. Advertisement
Section 2 of 7:

How to Use “Yasss”

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/d\/de\/Yasss-Step-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Yasss-Step-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/d\/de\/Yasss-Step-2.jpg\/v4-728px-Yasss-Step-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    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. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/3\/30\/Yasss-Step-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Yasss-Step-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/3\/30\/Yasss-Step-3.jpg\/v4-728px-Yasss-Step-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    “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. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/4\/4e\/Yasss-Step-4.jpg\/v4-460px-Yasss-Step-4.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/4\/4e\/Yasss-Step-4.jpg\/v4-728px-Yasss-Step-4.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    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!”
    4. Advertisement
Section 3 of 7:

How to Reply to “Yasss”

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/a\/ae\/Yasss-Step-5.jpg\/v4-460px-Yasss-Step-5.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/a\/ae\/Yasss-Step-5.jpg\/v4-728px-Yasss-Step-5.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    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. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/b\/b1\/Yasss-Step-6.jpg\/v4-460px-Yasss-Step-6.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/b\/b1\/Yasss-Step-6.jpg\/v4-728px-Yasss-Step-6.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    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. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/7\/7f\/Yasss-Step-7.jpg\/v4-460px-Yasss-Step-7.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/7\/7f\/Yasss-Step-7.jpg\/v4-728px-Yasss-Step-7.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    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?”
    4. Advertisement
Section 4 of 7:

Where does “Yasss” come from?

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/9\/9d\/Yasss-Step-8.jpg\/v4-460px-Yasss-Step-8.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/9\/9d\/Yasss-Step-8.jpg\/v4-728px-Yasss-Step-8.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    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?

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/4\/46\/Yasss-Step-9.jpg\/v4-460px-Yasss-Step-9.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/4\/46\/Yasss-Step-9.jpg\/v4-728px-Yasss-Step-9.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    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!”
    2. Advertisement
Section 6 of 7:

Other Versions of “Yasss”

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/2\/26\/Yasss-Step-10.jpg\/v4-460px-Yasss-Step-10.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/2\/26\/Yasss-Step-10.jpg\/v4-728px-Yasss-Step-10.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    “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. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/0\/0c\/Yasss-Step-11.jpg\/v4-460px-Yasss-Step-11.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/0\/0c\/Yasss-Step-11.jpg\/v4-728px-Yasss-Step-11.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    “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]
    3. Advertisement
Section 7 of 7:

Who can use “Yasss”?

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/3\/3a\/Yasss-Step-12.jpg\/v4-460px-Yasss-Step-12.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/3\/3a\/Yasss-Step-12.jpg\/v4-728px-Yasss-Step-12.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    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.

Expert Q&A

Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Tips

      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

      You Might Also Like

      What Does WYA Mean? Snapchat, Texting, and More
      How to
      Watch TikTok Content Without Having to Install the App
      How to
      Find Out Who Owns an Instagram Account
      3 Simple Ways to Tell if Someone Has Snapchat Plus
      What Does <3 Mean on Social Media?
      What Happens When You Block Someone on IG: Will They Know?
      Explaining Whether You Look Like Your Inverted or Mirror Image
      What Does "IMK" Mean Over Text and on Social Media?
      How to
      React When Someone Blocks You
      How to
      See Deleted Tweets of Your Own or Others
      Simple Ways to Unfollow on TikTok: Unfollowing Limits & Fixes
      8 Easy Ways to Fix Instagram Invite Collaborator Not Showing
      What Does “GYATT” Mean? Plus, When & How to Use It
      100 Cute, Funny, and Hype Comments for Social Media Posts
      Advertisement

      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

      About This Article

      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 153 times.

      Is this article up to date?

      Advertisement