Yaas: Definition, Meaning, and Origin

Last Updated on
July 27, 2023

"Yaas" is a slang term that has become very popular recently, especially on social media and in pop culture. Furthermore, it is another word to say "Yes."

In short:

  • “Yaas” is a slang term equivalent to the excited or celebratory use of the interjection “yes!”
  • It is often used as a strong expression of excitement, approval, agreement, support, or admiration.
  • It can be spelled with any number of A’s and S’s to indicate greater degrees of enthusiasm.
  • It also carries LGBT or queer cultural associations, as it originated from the drag ball culture in the late 1980s.

What Does "Yaas" Mean?

The word "yaas" is a playful or non-serious slang term equivalent to the excited or celebratory use of the exclamation "yes!" In addition, it is often used to express excitement, approval, agreement, support, or admiration.

For example:

  • "Yaas," I got the promotion!
  • "Yaas," you look terrific!
  • "Yaas," that's a great idea!
  • "Yaas," I love this song!

Where Does "Yaas" Come From?

The word "yaas" has a long and fascinating history that can be traced back to the late 1980s. It originated from the drag ball culture, a predominantly Black and Latino LGBT subculture in the United States. In fact, drag balls were underground events where drag queens and other gender-non-conforming people would gather, dance, compete, and celebrate their identities and expressions.

Historical Example

The word “yaas” can be heard in the 1990 documentary Paris Is Burning, chronicling New York City’s drag ball culture in the late 1980s. The film features interviews with some of the most influential figures in the scene, such as Dorian Corey, Pepper LaBeija, Willi Ninja, and Venus Xtravaganza.

10 Examples of "Yaas" in Sentences

Here are some examples of how to use the word "yaas" in various sentences:

  • Yaas! I finally finished my project! Now I can finally rest.
  • For someone raised by wolves, yaas queen! You rocked that interview!
  • Yaas king! You are so handsome! Thanks a bunch for attending this show!
  • Yaas gaga! You are so talented! No wonder you are one of the best.
  • For God's sake! Yaas queen! You are so funny! Keep that up.
  • Yaas! You are my favorite person! Always remember that.
  • Yaas! You are doing great. Keep on keeping on!
  • Yaas slay! You are amazing! Fashionably late, but you are the best dressed here!
  • Yaas bish! You are my best friend. You even know all of my deep dark secrets. Haha!
  • Yaas! Let's go party! But in the meantime, let me call our other friends.

Examples of "Yaas" in Pop Culture

The word "yaas" has been used in many pop culture contexts. Here are some examples of how it has been featured in songs, movies, TV shows, books, memes, and more:

  • The word "yaas" features in the chorus of a song called "Run Away With You) (Y2K Remix)", which singer-songwriter Carly Rae Jepsen released in 2015.
  • In 2016, actress and comedian Amy Schumer starred in a movie called Trainwreck, where she used the word "yaas" in one of her lines after singing the song from the musical Wicked.
  • In 2017, TV personality and drag queen RuPaul released a book called Guru, a collection of inspirational quotes, life lessons, and wisdom from his career and personal life. One part of the book mentioned the word "yaas."
  • Singer-songwriter Ariana Grande says "Yaas" several times throughout the music video of a song called "Thank U, Next," which she released in 2018.
  • Actor and comedian Kevin Hart starred in Jumanji: The Next Level in 2019. In one scene, he says "Yaas" in a high-pitched voice, and the mandrills attack him because of that.

Other Ways to Say "Yaas"

The word "yaas" is not the only way to express excitement or approval in English. Many other words and phrases can convey similar meanings or emotions.

Here are some examples of other ways to say "yaas":

  • Absolutely!
  • Awesome!
  • Brilliant!
  • Cool!
  • Excellent!
  • Fantastic!
  • Great!
  • Hooray!
  • Incredible!
  • Marvelous!

10 Frequently Asked Questions About "Yaas"

Here are some common questions that people may have about the word "yaas" and their answers:

  • What is the origin of "yaas"?

The origin of the word "yaas" can be traced back to the late 1980s drag ball culture.

  • What are some synonyms for "yaas"?

Some synonyms for "yaas" are nice, outstanding, perfect, rad, superb, yay, etc.

  • What are some antonyms for "yaas"?

Some antonyms for "yaas" are simple, bad, ugh, poor, no, lame, etc.

  • How do you spell "yaas"?

There is no definitive or official way to spell “yaas.” It is a slang term spelled with any number of A’s and S’s, depending on how enthusiastic or excited you want to sound.

  • How do you pronounce "yaas"?

The word “yaas” is pronounced as /jɑːs/ or /jæs/, which sounds like “yass” or “yaz.” It is usually said with a high-pitched or elongated voice to emphasize the emotion or expression.

  • Is "yaas" an accurate word?

Most dictionaries or grammar rules do not recognize the word “yaas,” so it is inaccurate. A specific subculture created it as a slang term, and the general public later adopted it. However, many people understand and accept its meaning and usage, so it is an accurate word. It also has a history and culture behind it, making it a valid word in the mind, not just a random sound.

  • Is "yaas" rude or offensive?

The word "yaas" is not rude or offensive in itself. It is a positive and friendly term that shows excitement or approval for something or someone. However, like any word, it can be rude or offensive depending on how, when, where, and why you use it.

Example: “Yaas” you look good! No one is looking at you, as expected. So being you sucks, I guess.

  • Is "yaas" only for women?

The word "yaas” is not only for women. It can be used by anyone regardless of their gender identity or expression. However, it is essential to note that “yaas” has LGBT or queer cultural associations.

  • Is "yaas" only for young people?

The word “yaas” is not only for young people. It can be used by anyone regardless of their age or generation. However, it is essential to note that “yaas” is a relatively new and trendy term that became popular in the 2010s. Therefore, some may associate “yaas” with youthfulness, modernity, or hipness.

  • How do you use "yaas" in a question?

You can use “yaas” in a question as an interjection, a noun, an adjective, a verb, or an adverb.

Example: "Yaas!" Are you serious? Don't get me started with how rude she was.

Final Thoughts About "Yaas"

The word "yaas" is an expression that means the excited or celebratory use of the exclamation "yes!". It is often used to express excitement, approval, agreement, support, or admiration. It also carries LGBT or queer cultural associations, originating from the drag ball culture in the late 1980s.

Some basic information about the meaning of the word "yaas" are:

  • It is equivalent to the excited or celebratory use of the interjection "yes!"
  • It is often used to express excitement, approval, agreement, support, or admiration.
  • It can be spelled with any number of A's and S's to indicate more significant degrees of enthusiasm.
  • It can also be combined with other words, such as "queen," "king," "gaga," or "queen," to add more emphasis or flair.

Lastly, the word "yaas" is a versatile and fun term that can be used in many ways. However, it is imperative to be mindful of your audience and tone when using it, as it can be rude or offensive depending on how, when, where, and why. Furthermore, respecting the history and culture behind the word is essential, as it is more than just a random sound. It is a word that reflects identity, expression, and celebration.

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