slay

/sleɪ/
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To kill in a dramatic or literary sense, to overwhelm someone with laughter or admiration, and in slang to perform or look exceptionally well.

Examples

  • Several guards were slain in the ambush.
  • They slayed the competition with a flawless set.
  • A tiny wink from the actor slayed the crowd.
  • You slay every presentation you give.
  • His impression of the teacher absolutely slayed us.

Similar words

execute
impress
dominate
nail
kill
strike down
kill it
dispatch
crush
murder

Meanings

Kill violently

verb
violence
literary
To kill a person, animal, or creature, especially in a dramatic, violent, or old-fashioned style.

Examples

  • The warrior slew the dragon before sunrise.
  • The legend says the monster was slain by a village girl.
  • The king vowed to slay anyone who betrayed the realm.
  • Several guards were slain in the ambush.
  • In the poem, a single arrow slays the giant.
  • The hunter refused to slay the wounded animal.

Similar words

Impress or amuse strongly

verb
humor
informal
To affect someone very strongly, often by making them laugh, surprising them, or winning their admiration.

Examples

  • Her deadpan answer slayed the whole room.
  • That final line slays me every time.
  • The comedian slayed the audience with one story.
  • His impression of the teacher absolutely slayed us.
  • The surprise ending slayed fans at the premiere.
  • A tiny wink from the actor slayed the crowd.

Similar words

Excel or look amazing

verb
slang
slang
To do something exceptionally well, dominate a performance, or look strikingly good.

Examples

  • She slayed on the runway in a silver suit.
  • You slay every presentation you give.
  • The dancers slayed the final routine.
  • That red coat slays with the boots.
  • They slayed the competition with a flawless set.
  • He walked in late and still slayed the interview.

Similar words

Etymology

From Old English slean, meaning to strike or kill, related to German schlagen. The informal senses grow from the idea of being figuratively struck by laughter, admiration, or excellence.

FAQ

What does slay literally mean?

Slay literally means to kill, especially in dramatic, literary, mythic, or fantasy contexts.

What is the past tense of slay?

The traditional past tense is slew, and the past participle is slain, though slayed is also used, especially informally.

What does that joke slayed me mean?

That joke slayed me means the joke made someone laugh hard or strongly amused them.

What does slang slay mean?

In slang, slay means to do something exceptionally well or look strikingly good.

Is slay formal?

The killing sense can appear in literary or serious writing, but the praise sense belongs in informal contexts.

Where does slay come from?

Slay comes from Old English slean, meaning to strike or kill.

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