You may have seen “slay the house down boots” on social media, but what exactly does it mean? This popular slang term (which originally came from ballroom and drag culture) is a fun and humorous way to tell someone that they’ve done something amazing! In this guide, we tell you more about the meaning of this slangy phrase, as well as how to use it in conversation (as well as its many variations). Plus, we’ll share a few more creative slang terms from the drag world!
What does “slay the house down boots” mean?
“Slay the house down boots” is a way to compliment someone for a job exceptionally well done. “Slay” means to look or do something awesome or fierce. “House down” and “boots” both emphasize the level of fierceness that this person has shown—basically, they really slayed.
Steps
Using “Slay the House Down Boots”
-
Say “slay the house down boots” to compliment someone who did something amazing. This phrase is appropriate to use when you see a friend do something especially well, or when they’re looking especially amazing! Traditionally, “slay the house down boots” is used to compliment a performance or a performer’s appearance. As it’s gained mainstream popularity, it has come to be used to compliment anything a person does well.
- However, this phrase is part of African American Vernacular English (AAVE) and associated with the LGBTQIA+ community, so many feel that use by a wider audience is cultural appropriation.
- “Her lip-syncing slays the house down boots. It’s that good.”
- “Girl, you slay the house down boots in that dress.”
- “That wig slays the house down boots. You can’t even see the lace up close.”
- “Have you heard her new song? It slays the house down boots.”
-
Say that someone “boots the house down” to convey how talented they are. This phrase is a shorter version of “he/she/they boot(s) the house down,” which implies that a performance is so good that the person is kicking the house down (along with the usual meaning of “boots”). Say “she boots the house down” when you see:
- A drag artist sings a show-stopping song that earns her a standing ovation.
- A performer tells a hilarious joke that has the entire audience laughing.
- A person who entered the party in an absolutely showstopping outfit.
-
Use “Kitty, Kitty Purr Boots Down” to show off your confidence. This phrase means that you are feeling confident. It was popularized by Blue Kim, a contestant on Big Brother , known for using creative slang. She recommends using the phrase “whenever you do anything slay,” like: [2] X Research source
- When you’re walking down the street wearing the cutest, hottest, new outfit.
- When you just became class valedictorian.
-
Add “Houston, I’m deceased” to further emphasize your amazement. This term is a play on what astronauts say when communicating with NASA mission control in Houston, Texas. The idea is that something is so good it has to be communicated to the authorities. “I’m deceased” is a humorous way of giving praise—the speaker is saying the performance or a person’s appearance was so overwhelming they have died. Say, “Slay the house down boots, Houston I’m deceased” when you see:
- A drag artist who owns the stage during their show.
- A performer whose hair, makeup, and costume are so good that they’ve reached a new level of artistic expression.
Expert Q&A
Tips
References
- ↑ https://www.collinsdictionary.com/us/dictionary/english/to-bring-the-house-down
- ↑ https://www.cinemablend.com/interviews/big-brother-blue-kim-explained-meaning-kitty-kitty-purr-boots-down
- ↑ https://www.ebony.com/no-shade-but-please-stop/
- ↑ https://www.marieclaire.com/culture/news/a13716/rupaul-drag-race-terms-to-know
- ↑ https://www.mentalfloss.com/posts/drag-slang-terms
- ↑ https://youtu.be/0WKyuVMDT5U?t=40
- ↑ https://youtu.be/0WKyuVMDT5U?t=114
- ↑ https://youtu.be/0WKyuVMDT5U?t=434