interjection Pop Culture

Werk

/wɜːrk/ · interjection · slang

A hyped-up 'work it' — a shout of approval when someone looks or performs flawlessly.

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Definitions

1

A verb meaning to perform or carry yourself with full confidence and commitment, especially on a runway or stage.

“You better werk that runway like you own it.”
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2

An interjection yelled to cheer someone on when they're serving looks, dancing, or performing — basically 'work it, queen.'

“She walked out in that gown and the whole room screamed 'WERK!'”
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3

Used more loosely online as general praise for anyone killing it at anything — a workout, an outfit, a clapback.

“Got the promotion AND the apartment? Werk, sis.”
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Werk In A Sentence

Werk! That makeup is flawless tonight.
Caption: new fit, who dis. WERK.
She did NOT come to play, she came to werk.

Origin & Usage

From AAVE and Black/Latino ballroom culture of 1980s New York, a stylized spelling of 'work it.' Spread mainstream through RuPaul's Drag Race and gay nightlife.

People Also Ask

What does werk mean in slang?

It's an enthusiastic 'work it' — a cheer of approval when someone looks or performs amazingly. It comes straight out of drag and ballroom culture.

Is werk the same as work?

Same root, different vibe. 'Werk' is the celebratory, hyped spelling used to gas someone up, not the job kind of work.

Where did werk come from?

Black and Latino ballroom and drag scenes in 1980s New York coined it as a stylized 'work it,' and it went mainstream via Drag Race.

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