Warning: this article contains language that some readers may find offensive.
The phrase “serving cunt” is undeniably provocative. For those unfamiliar with its nuanced usage, it might sound like a deeply offensive insult. However, within specific online spaces and particularly in queer communities, “serving cunt” flips the traditional misogynistic meaning of the c-word on its head. It becomes a powerful compliment, celebrating confidence, fierceness, and an unapologetic attitude. This transformation of a slur into a term of empowerment is a fascinating example of linguistic reclamation and cultural evolution.
Instead of being derogatory, “serving cunt” describes a state of being. It’s about embodying qualities like self-assurance, sass, and an undeniable edge. This isn’t limited by gender; anyone can “serve cunt” by projecting these traits. It’s a mindset and a performance, rather than a literal description.
This phrase, while now widespread in internet vernacular and even achieving meme status, is not a product of the digital age. Its roots run deep within drag culture, and those familiar with queer culture immediately recognize the characteristics it embodies. To be told you are “serving cunt” in these circles is high praise.
Think of it in the context of drag terminology. Qualities like fierceness, sassiness, or being “sickening” (another example of a compliment disguised as something negative) are highly valued. The ultimate achievement is to “slay” – to do something exceptionally well. RuPaul’s iconic acronym, C.U.N.T. (Charisma, Uniqueness, Nerve, and Talent), perfectly encapsulates these desired attributes. In the drag competition RuPaul’s Drag Race, queens must “serve” (display) these qualities to win the crown.
This is a world away from the conventional, offensive use of the c-word. Traditionally, it’s a vulgar term for female genitalia, weaponized as a misogynistic slur to degrade and objectify women. Dictionaries often label it as one of the most offensive words in the English language due to its history of hateful usage.
The mainstream adoption of this queer phrase can be interpreted as a significant shift in the power dynamics surrounding the c-word. Some see it as a form of reclamation, where a term historically used to oppress women is being re-appropriated and transformed into a term of respect, protest, and resistance.
Beyond “Serving Cunt”: Exploring the Vernacular of Ball Culture
The lexicon doesn’t stop at “serving cunt.” Queer and internet slang, heavily influenced by ball and drag culture, includes a rich tapestry of expressive phrases. People are “slaying the house down boots” when they are exceptionally impressive. They “read people to filth” when delivering devastatingly witty insults, or “throw shade” when engaging in playful, subtle jabs.
Pop stars like Rina Sawayama and Dua Lipa are affectionately called “mother,” a term of endearment and admiration. To “leave no crumbs” signifies doing something perfectly, leaving nothing to be desired.
The increasing use of these phrases highlights a significant trend: the language of drag culture is permeating mainstream internet vernacular. What was once niche slang is now becoming part of online communication.
Beyoncé, a major pop culture icon, has embraced this linguistic shift. Her 2022 song “Pure/Honey” prominently features the c-word. Her 2023 Renaissance tour staging included a news desk labeled “KNTY 4 News,” further embedding the term within her artistic expression.
Pose (2018) brought the vibrant world of New York’s ‘ball’ community to a wider audience.
To truly understand this linguistic phenomenon, we need to delve into the origins of drag and ball culture language. Terms like “shade,” “slay,” and “reading to filth” are not new inventions. They are deeply rooted in African American Vernacular English (AAVE), a vibrant and complex dialect of English spoken by Black Americans, particularly in urban communities.
The connection between AAVE and drag culture lies in “ballroom” or “ball culture.” This LGBTQ+ subculture, born in late 20th century New York City, was created by African American and Latino individuals. Balls are competitive events where participants “walk” (compete) in various categories for trophies, prizes, and recognition. The 2018 TV series Pose offered a fictionalized but insightful look into the New York ball culture of the 1980s, bringing this world to a broader audience.
As ball culture gained visibility, its language began to spread beyond its original community, increasingly becoming associated with the wider LGBTQ+ community. Phrases like “throwing shade,” “reading,” and “spilling tea” (sharing gossip) moved out of the ballroom and into broader usage.
Appropriation and Authenticity in Language
This linguistic diffusion sparks important discussions about cultural appropriation and authenticity. My own research in 2019 examined the use of linguistic variation on Twitter, specifically looking at gay British men’s tweets. I found instances where they used AAVE features like “work dat pole gurl” and “y’all mad at hunty.” This usage wasn’t necessarily about claiming Black identity, but rather about projecting a “sassy” persona. By adopting elements of AAVE, these individuals were drawing on cultural tropes to perform a specific type of gay identity, which I termed the “sassy queen.”
A still from the 1990 documentary 'Paris is Burning' shows a ball event with judges and participants dancing.
A ‘ball’ as depicted in the seminal 1990 documentary, Paris is Burning. TCD/Prod.DB / Alamy Stock Photo
However, this practice raises concerns. It can be seen as relying on a racialized stereotype of the “sassy black woman,” a problematic trope that historically stereotypes Black women as overly vivacious and outspoken. When the use of “serving cunt” and other AAVE-derived phrases occurs without awareness of this history, it becomes even more complex.
For example, in 2020, internet personality Brittany Broski (known as the Kombucha Girl) mistakenly attributed AAVE terms to “stan culture,” highlighting a lack of understanding about the true origins of these phrases. Conversely, Black TikTok creators have actively challenged the notion of a “new TikTok or Gen Z language,” correctly pointing out that many features attributed to this supposed new language are, in fact, AAVE.
Ultimately, while the phrase “serving cunt” is now accessible for anyone to use, understanding its history is crucial. It’s important to acknowledge its roots in drag culture and, even deeper, in AAVE. Using this language responsibly means being aware of its origins and the cultural context from which it emerged.
