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

Pudlo, who also works as a drag queen, said that simply existing each day is a “political and social statement” for her.

From Los Angeles Times

Especially after Austrian drag queen Conchita Wurst won Eurovision in 2014.

From BBC

At one of her most recent ceremonies, everyone stood for the entrance of the bride - only to be surprised by a drag queen, in full bridal regalia.

From BBC

In January 2023, they became the first drag queen to appear on Dancing on Ice and was partnered with American skater Colin Grafton, finishing third.

From BBC

"She had no idea about drag but then just found herself and it really changed everything about her life. She's such a great role model for me and that's why I want to be the first deaf drag queen in the world to be on Drag race."

From BBC

Related Words

• bio queen 
• drag artist