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

I didn’t see drag queens and it felt a bit muted, but I’m happy we had such a peaceful and fun Pride.

From Washington Blade

On two consecutive free admission Wednesday nights in August, OTC presents “Olney in Drag,” a two-part extravaganza where audiences are asked “enjoy a drink as these fabulous drag queens shine brighter than the stars in the evening sky.”

From Washington Blade

She told me that “everyone knows what a drag queen is by now.”

From Washington Blade

What I don’t expect to see is a drag queen getting arrested.

From Washington Blade

Admission is $20 and will feature performances from several drag queens from the state.

From Washington Blade

Nicki Minaj popularized “yaaasssss” with her song “Yasss Bish” and she claims the pronunciation has roots in drag-queen culture.

From The Daily Beast

Treacherous thatched-roof-haired drag-queen Linda Tripp, with those dress-for-success shoulder pads?

From The Daily Beast

That the doll would become so widely known as “Drag Queen Barbie” “was not expected,” a Mattel spokesperson says.

From The Daily Beast

“Drag Queen Barbie looks just like regular Barbie,” says Hillary Busis at Entertainment Weekly.

From The Daily Beast

Actually, “Drag Queen Barbie is the most fabulous Barbie yet,” adds Carmel Lobello at Death and Taxes.

From The Daily Beast

Related Words

• bio queen
• drag artist