QUEER WORD
BOOTS

What It Means:

‘Boots’ is a queer slang intensifier. Think of it like putting ‘very,’ ‘so much,’ or ‘AF’ at the end of a sentence. But instead of sounding like an undercooked influencer, you sound like a drag queen with opinions (lots and lots of opinions).

Used most commonly in drag communities, ‘boots’ is usually placed after an adjective to exaggerate it—camp boots, tired boots, stunning boots.

“Boots the house down” is another related phrase - which, believe it or not, is even more dramatic, usually meaning ‘to the max’ or ‘in an extreme way’

Let’s Use It In A Sentence: 

That look is tragic boots.

Origins and History of ‘Boots’ in Queer Slang

‘Boots’ seems to be one of those terms that has snuck in to our consciousness without anyone knowing precisely where it came from. Like a lot of queer lingo, it likely developed organically—a phrase passed between people in community spaces before it made its way online and into mainstream pop culture.

What we do know is that the term was popularised by the TV show RuPaul’s Drag Race, where queens regularly throw around lines like “sickening boots” or “stunning boots” to add flair to their workroom conversations. The phrase is thought to have roots in Ballroom culture—a subculture that’s long been a breeding ground for linguistic invention.

At its core, ‘boots’ is all about emphasis and flair. It’s a linguistic flourish that’s campy, theatrical, and extra as hell.

It’s also a cheeky celebration of our queer linguistic creativity. After all, why say something as mundane as ‘I’m very tired’ when you could instead say ‘Ugh, I’m exhausted boots’?

But make no mistake: to really pull it off, you’ve got to say it with confidence, chutzpah, and a whole lotta panache.

FAQ: ‘Boots’ in Queer Slang

Where did the queer slang term ‘boots’ come from?

The exact origin isn’t clear, but ‘boots’ is believed to have emerged from queer and Ballroom culture before being popularised by shows like RuPaul’s Drag Race (and its various international incarnations). It’s part of a long tradition of queer communities inventing playful, gibberish-y and expressive language.

How do you use ‘boots’ in a sentence?

You place “boots” after an adjective to emphasise it. For example: “I’m tired boots” or “She’s gorgeous boots.” It’s all about exaggeration and drama.

Is ‘boots’ still being used today?

Yes! ‘Boots’ is still very much in use, particularly in queer communities and online platforms and spaces influenced by drag and LGBTQ+ culture.

Can straight people use the term ‘boots’?

Language evolves and spreads, so yes—anyone can technically use it. But it’s important to understand the cultural roots of queer slang and use it respectfully, not just as a trend (also, you’ve got to make sure you bring enough sass to make it sound convincing!).

What are some similar queer slang terms?

Other intensifiers or dramatic expressions in queer slang include words like ‘gagged,’ ‘snatched,’ ‘sickening,’ and ‘serving.’ Many of these also come from Ballroom and drag culture.

Is ‘boots’ an acronym or does it stand for something?

Nope - it's not an acronym. It’s just a word that’s been reimagined and repurposed by queer communities as a flamboyant, funny way to dial things up.

Does ‘boots’ have anything to do with footwear?

Nope, not at all. The word ‘boots’ in this context has nothing to do with shoes - it’s all about extra-ness, not actual boots on your feet (unless, of course, those boots happen to be extra. Confused yet?).