Episode Overview

Podcast: All Ears English
Episode: AEE: Are You Slaying English?
Hosts: Lindsay McMahon & Aubrey Carter
Date: November 28, 2025

This episode dives into the trendy, multi-faceted English verb "slay"—how its meaning and usage have shifted from classic literature to modern American slang. Lindsay and Aubrey break down its correct and evolving meanings, conjugation challenges, its popular usage in pop culture, and how to use "slay" and its variants (e.g., "slayed," "slaying") like a native speaker for confident, connected English.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. What Does "Slay" Mean? (Traditional vs. Modern Usage)

• Traditional usage:
  • To "slay" traditionally means to kill violently, often found in literature or fantasy contexts.
    • Example: "The knight slew the dragon."
  • Past tense: "slew"; past participle: "slain"
  • Aubrey (06:21): “The actual correct past tense is slew. So it’s like ‘he slew the dragon.’ But we use it so rarely… People would more likely say ‘he slayed the dragon.’”
• Modern slang:
  • To "slay" now means to do something exceptionally well—almost synonymous with "kill it" or "crush it."
    • Examples: "She slayed that performance." / "Slay!"
  • Popular among younger generations and widely seen on social media.

2. Evolving Grammar and Permissiveness (06:51-07:21)

• Both "slew" and "slayed" can be considered correct in different contexts, as language adapts.

• More prescriptive speakers may insist on "slew" for the traditional meaning, especially outside the US, but "slayed" is now widely used.

  “Our approach to language is that it does adapt, it does change. Some people don’t believe that… but we believe that the approach is actually more about connecting.”
  — Lindsay (06:51)

3. Slay in Practice—Grammar Traps (09:09–09:55)

• The past participle "slain" is rarely used, making "slay" tricky even for native speakers.

• Many native speakers get confused by the irregular forms: slay/slew/slain.

  “Even native speakers will often make mistakes.”
  — Aubrey (09:34)

• Trivia moment: This grammar is so rarely used it could be a trivia question.

4. "Slay" in Sports and Journalism (09:55–10:42)

• Used metaphorically to mean "to beat" another team, often for headlines.
• Example: “The mean green…will try to slay a USF squad…” (NY Times)
• Journalists leverage the popularity of the slang usage for emphasis.

5. "Slay" as Modern Slang (10:42–13:39)

• Meaning: To do an outstanding job, especially with style, confidence, or flair.

  • “You’re slaying!” = you’re doing great.

• Can be used in the present (slay), simple past (slayed), but not the traditional past ("slew") in slang usage.

• Associated terms: "killing it," "crushing it"

• Social media examples: People comment “slay” on posts or performances.

• Difference: Never use "slew" or "slain" in slang contexts.

  “This is where you wouldn’t say slew. You wouldn’t say slayen. Doesn’t make sense. Because it’s slang.”
  — Aubrey (13:10)

6. Real-Life Usage & Fun with Slang (15:29–18:23)

• Role-play at a Halloween party:

  • Complimenting a costume: “You are absolutely slaying in that Edward Scissorhands costume.”
  • Joking with traditional meaning: “I have to be careful not to accidentally slay someone.”
  • Imaginary headline: “Party guests slain on Halloween night.”

• Explains playful, layered use of language in social situations.

• Shows how the word can be worked into humor and banter in conversation.

  “That’s kind of fun. And then you said, we’re making up a headline. Sometimes we do this as banter…And your idea is ‘Party guests slain on Halloween night.’”
  — Lindsay (17:36)

7. Final Takeaways on Connection and Compliments (18:23–19:34)

• Using “slay” is a fun, modern way to build connections and highlight positive moments.

• Don’t be afraid to experiment—even joke with unusual grammar to get a reaction.

  “This is how relationships and connections are built, right? Enjoy those small moments like Halloween costumes, other things.”
  — Lindsay (19:18)

8. Related Episode Reference (18:31–18:52)

• For a discussion on “slew” as a noun (meaning “a lot of”):
  • Episode 2511: “Got a boatload of work? How to share it in English.”

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On language adaptation:

  “Our approach to language is that it does adapt, it does change. Some people don’t believe that… but we believe that the approach is actually more about connecting.”
  — Lindsay (06:51)

• Grammar humor:

  “This grammar could almost be a trivia question. It’s so rare and challenging, don’t you think?”
  — Lindsay (09:41)

• On making connections:

  “If you have a friend that is slaying in some way…you definitely should recognize it. Give them some credit, right?”
  — Aubrey (19:09)

• Role-play highlight:

  “You are absolutely slaying in that Edward Scissorhands costume. Did you make it yourself?”
  — Aubrey (15:46) “Yes. I’m a bit nervous, though. Since these are real blades, I have to be careful not to accidentally slay someone.”
  — Lindsay (15:52)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• [02:32] Warm-up: Sharing great moments (“your seats slayed”)
• [05:26] Start of the deep dive into “slay”
• [06:01] Traditional meanings and grammar of “slay” (slew/slain)
• [08:56] Example transition: From old to new, “her performance slayed”
• [09:09] Grammar explanations (past participles, mistakes even by natives)
• [10:42] Modern slang use: “Slay” = outstanding
• [11:15] Variations and informal expressions: “killing it,” “crushing it,” “slay”
• [12:55] Slay in social media and usage notes
• [13:39] Slang should be quick, easy—why “slay” spread
• [15:29] Role-play: Halloween party (practical usage and humor)
• [18:23] Recap and takeaways—using “slay” to strengthen relationships

Help for ESL Learners: Practical Integration

• Notice “slay” as a compliment beyond performance: cool experiences, great fashion, even awesome tickets!
• When in doubt about past tense in slang, “slayed” is safe for social contexts.
• Try out these expressions for positive feedback among friends or in casual situations.
• Acknowledge grammar shifts—connecting with modern speakers matters most!