Slay, Schanelle Wong

Slay

Schanelle Wong

There are several words in the English-speaking language that are related to the development of young adolescents in our society today. Some of those words may have acquired one meaning in the past, but have evolved into words that embody a completely different meaning today. The word “slay” is important to the study of adolescence and health, and has also had a huge impact on modern society and pop culture today. The word “slay” originally meant to kill or murder in a violent way. It is usually associated with slaining someone in the context of fighting in a war or battle. For example, one may use the word “slay” in the following sentence: He is going to slay the dragon that is guarding the castle. As mentioned before, the term’s history has a different meaning than how it is used in modern days, or at least in a society dominated by urban and pop culture. While the historic version of “slay” has more of a negative connotation to its meaning, the evolved version is used as a compliment or words of encouragement. To “slay” is to do something very well. For example, if you tell someone to go and “slay” a performance or routine, you are encouraging them to go perform exceptionally well. “Slay” doesn’t necessarily have to describe an exclusive action but it is generally used in a positive context. Let’s say a person walks into the room with a really nice outfit on and another person yells “SLAY!”. The person hasn’t necessarily done anything exceptionally well, but their outfit was so well put together that it amazed the other person. When a person is amazed or stunned by excellence, in any kind of aspect, they may use the word “slay” to demonstrate what they’re feeling. “Slay” can also be used in past tense. We can use the performance example again. If you tell your friend that they “slayed” their performance, it generally means that they have crushed their performance, in a good way. The word “slay” can help us understand the experiences of young people. By learning the meaning behind slang that is curated by social media, teenagers, and/or pop culture, we talk and view part of the world in the adolescents’ perspectives. “Slay” is generally used by younger individuals rather than older generations. It helps us understand the concept of what teenagers are talking about or how they feel towards an object, an idea, etc. I personally use the word “slay” quite often with my friends as it is a relatively easy way to express my astonishment and admiration for someone or something. Because it is usually used as a word of encouragement, “slay” could have an impact on youth's health and well-being. It is used in a positive manner which can improve one’s mood, behaviour, or well-being because it is generally received as a compliment. When a person gives you a compliment using the word “slay”, there is a sense of acceptance and appreciation from your fellow peers, especially those who are around your age and within your community. Young adolescents already have a lot going on; dealing with personal issues, struggling through school, not feeling the greatest mentally, etc. When “slay” is used to uplift one another, it is a gateway to creating a welcoming and positive atmosphere all around.

Sources: Academic source: https://www.dictionary.com/e/slang/slay/ Non-academic source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ypREc4J5Ey0