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

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

On a Saturday night at North Hollywood’s Club Cobra, a drag queen dressed as Miley Cyrus lip-synced to “Zombie” by the Cranberries, with Halloween decor and disco balls dangling from the ceiling.

From Los Angeles Times

One X user riffed on her comment by sharing a video of a green drag queen with bulging eyes.

From Salon

On July 4, the same week her Democratic Party parade float was decorated with rainbow banners, which received boos and jeers from some, the cast from the HBO drag queen series “We’re Here” appeared in town.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• bio queen
• drag artist