drag queen

[ drag kween ]

noun

, Slang.

1. a performer, typically one who was assigned male at birth, whose act involves a stylized and exaggerated interpretation of femininity that plays with stereotypical gender themes.

drag queen

noun

1. a male who dresses as a woman and impersonates female characteristics for public entertainment
2. slang.
   a male transvestite

Word History and Origins

Origin of drag queen¹

First recorded in 1960–65; drag (in the sense “wearing clothes characteristic with a different sex”) + queen (in the sense “flamboyantly effeminate gay man”)

Idioms and Phrases

A male transvestite; also, a female impersonator. For example, He was surprised to find out that Roxanne was actually a drag queen . This term uses the slang noun drag in the sense of “female attire worn by a man” (a usage dating from about 1870; also see in drag ). [ Offensive slang ; c. 1940]

Example Sentences

Lady Java, as she was also known, worked as a drag queen, singer, dancer, comedian and “female impersonator” at a time when cross-dressing was forbidden without a permit, winning over crowds in predominantly straight clubs and running in circles with L.A. luminaries such as Lena Horne.

From Los Angeles Times

For co-founder Scarlett Hutchin, it was a counter protest outside a drag queen story time in Bristol that sparked the idea of a queer-friendly Morris side.

From BBC

The events see a drag queen reading a book to children with the goal of promoting reading and diversity, but some have seen backlash from the public.

From BBC

With the encouragement of friends, Kyran began performing on stage and by graduation they were "a full-time drag queen".

From BBC

At 7 p.m. on the dot, drag queen Jupiter Genesis kicked off the show, wearing a layered purple boa and a metallic bustier.

From Slate

Related Words

• bio queen
• drag artist