Definition of slaying

The word "slaying" in today's context can be traced back to the late 1980s and early 1990s, specifically in the context of hip-hop and African American culture. It was mainly used as a euphemism for successfully completing or executing something, particularly in a stylish, impressive, or overwhelming fashion. According to some accounts, the word "slaying" first emerged within the urban ballroom dance community, where competitors would strive to "slay" their dance moves and impress the judges and audience. From there, it spread to other aspects of hip-hop culture, such as fashion, dance battles, and rap music, where it became popular as a verb meaning "to execute flawlessly" or "to kill it" in a particular activity or pursuit. The use of "slaying" as a synonym for "killing it" or "nailing it" became increasingly common in mainstream urban culture during the 1990s and 2000s, as hip-hop fashions, dance moves, and music gained wider recognition and influence across various social and cultural contexts. Today, the term "slaying" continues to be actively used in hip-hop, pop culture, and social media, particularly among younger generations, as a catchy and stylish way to express admiration, approval, and excitement for people's talent, skills, and achievements in various fields and activities.