"Slay the House Down Boots" is a drag phrase that stands for fierceness and boldness, particularly about gender diversity and its unapologetic expression. Drag culture is a division or subculture that celebrates different gender identities. We all remember drag balls and drag parades in which LGBTQ+ communities represent their voice. The earliest known practice in drag performance deals with cross-dressing, in which a man dons feminine attire and vice versa to entertain the audience and execute the plot of the performance.
Gender norms have always been a question of performativity, which is precisely why the concept of performance is crucial in society. It is the only medium where different voices are heard and myriad modes of expression are entertained.
One of the early expressions of this is seen in Shakespearean comedies. Cross-dressing acted as a costume and a dramatic device that helped the plot move forward. It is willingly planted in the play to create comic or humorous plots to play with the notion of gender and its power, hiding one's true identity to woo a man or woman, etc.
Gender sensitivity is key to achieving a wholesome society. "Slay" emphasizes boldness or the effort to break the norm. Boots are also celebrated as a mark of rebellion or empowerment. It is adorned by everyone, irrespective of gender. Thus, with the emerging slang, we see fashion's importance in society.
Fashion allows different identities to represent themselves with the help of craft and artistic vision. Expression of various gender identities is not exclusive to drama. It is interesting how in all art forms in the modern world, like music, painting, movies, and fashion shows, drag and queer voices have been widely represented.
Slangs and their importance in drag culture
Some popular drag slang includes "resting your face pretty," "sickening good performance," and "yas, queen." The last one is warmly accepted and used by everyone from social media to casual real-life conversations in the context of two people from the LGBTQ+ community or two women supporting each other.
Layers of meaning
The phrase is often uttered to encourage the performer to perform so well that claps and applause echo through the entire ballroom. This loud sound is thus responsible for bringing the house down. Therefore, the slang indicates aggression and passion. It has its roots in Black culture, where the word slay is used to showcase strength and empowerment.
Why Boots?
Boots represent courage and firm footing. In many cultures, boots are adorned before going out on an adventure or to tackle harsh weather conditions. Attaching the word "boot" to the already fantastic phrase heightens the boldness associated with the slang.