“Snatched” Meaning: A Complete Guide to This Slang Term

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Learn exactly how to use “snatched” in your texts and convos

Co-authored by Devin McSween Reviewed by Candace Gasper

Last Updated: September 25, 2024 Fact Checked

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What does “snatched” mean?

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“Snatched” Example Phrases

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Responses to Someone Calling You “Snatched”

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Where “Snatched” Comes From

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More Slang from Black & Queer Communities

When talking with friends or scrolling on social media, you’ve probably seen people say “snatched” or “you’re looking snatched.” “Snatched” is a slang term that means someone or something looks incredible, stylish, or flawless. In this article, we’ll tell you how to use “snatched” in conversations, how to respond to it, where it comes from, and what other slang words it’s related to. Read on to learn more!

Snatched Definition & Meaning (Slang)

“Snatched” is a slang term used to call someone very attractive, especially when they’ve done something specific to improve their appearance. For example, you might say “I love that new top you’re wearing, you’re looking snatched!” or “Ooh, your face is snatched with that contour!”

Section 1 of 5:

What does “snatched” mean?

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“Snatched” means something looks amazing or flawless. Saying that someone or something looks snatched means the same thing as “perfect,” “on point,” or “fierce.” This slang term usually describes someone’s appearance, like their impressive makeup skills, impeccably styled hair, or fashionable outfit.^{[1]
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- “Your cheekbones are looking snatched! That highlight and contour makes them pop!”
- “Okay, your wig is so snatched! I need to know how you installed it perfectly.”
- If someone says your body looks snatched, they’re telling you that you have a toned or well-defined figure. In other words, you look incredible!
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“Snatched” can also mean you feel amazed, stunned, or awestruck. People often say someone or something “Snatched my wig” or “Snatched my edges.” This is a positive figure of speech that means they were so blown away that their wig flew off!^{[2]
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- “Beyoncé snatched my wig with her newest album! Every song is a 10/10!”
- “That dress looks amazing on you! My wig is snatched!”

Section 2 of 5:

How to Use Snatched in a Sentence

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“You are looking snatched in that outfit!” If one of your friends is rocking an amazing outfit, makeup look, or hairstyle, tell them they look snatched! This slang term expresses your admiration for their ability to serve looks, which helps boost their confidence. Other similar phrases include:
- “You look so snatched in that dress! Your body is giving supermodel.”
- “Wow, your face is snatched! You look like a sun-kissed goddess.”
- “Omg, that slick-back bun is giving snatched.”
- “My girl @VenitaAkpofure stopped by yesterday 😍 You look snatched in that @winstonleather corset 🔥” – X (formerly Twitter) User @WinstonEnts
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“My cheekbones are looking so snatched today.” If you’re feeling good about how you look, don’t be afraid to show it! If you’re loving how your face, hair, or body looks (or all of the above, obviously!), tell everyone how snatched you’re looking. You might also say:
- “My waist looks snatched AF, I’m totally feeling myself.”
- “I can’t wait to go out tonight, I’m looking snatched and this city’s not gonna know what hit it!”
- “I finally went to the hair salon and I’m feeling so snatched.”
- “body snatched, bills paid, b**** I’m servin’!” – X (formerly Twitter) User @iconraeona
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“Sabrina Carpenter snatched me with her new single.” Whether a celebrity’s red carpet look left you breathless or a friend’s new song knocks your socks off, you can express your awe with a statement like “I’ve been snatched,” “that snatched me,” or “that snatched my wig.” In other words, you’re amazed by someone or something being so flawless or on point! Here are some more examples:
- “Did you see Zendaya at the movie premiere? She snatched me with her fit.”
- “Your voice snatched my wig! I had no idea you could sing like that!”
- “He is absolutely eating tonight, his new look totally snatched me.”
- “Just saw this pic of @EugeneLeeYang in drag and my edges are SNATCHED hunty!!!! Yaasss queen!!!!!” – X (formerly Twitter) User @Candice76174833
- Keep in mind that “snatched my wig” as a phrase may be considered culturally insensitive or inappropriate if used by people outside of the Black or Queer communities from which it originates.

Section 3 of 5:

How to Respond When Someone Says You Look Snatched

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Accept someone’s compliment if they say you look snatched. When someone says you’re snatched or you snatched their wig, they’re telling you that you look flawless, incredible, or hot. So, accept their compliment with a simple, “Thank you!”
- Your friend: “Your eyeliner is looking so snatched! Your wings are flawless.”
  You: “Thank you! That’s so sweet of you to say.”
- Your friend: “Wow, my wig is snatched. This hair color looks incredible on you.”
  You: “Thank you, that’s so nice of you! It was time to try something different.”

Section 4 of 5:

Where “Snatched” Comes From

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“Snatched” comes from the Black drag community. “Snatched” originated in the New York City drag scene in the 1990s as a way to describe things as “fierce” or “on point.” Because Black drag performers typically wear artificial hair in the form of wigs or weaves, they might say that another performer “snatched their wig” off when they did something amazing or flawless.^{[3]
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- The slang term “snatched” eventually began to be used on its own, most likely being popularized around 2016 by the reality TV show RuPaul’s Drag Race.
- Although “snatched” has become popular in the mainstream, the word was (and still is) predominately used in the Black drag community.
- People in the drag world may also use “snatched” to mean that someone is being extra sassy or witty, but this meaning hasn’t been as popularized in wider communities.

Section 5 of 5:

More Slang from the Black & Queer Communities

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Fierce If someone says you look fierce, they’re saying you look bold, confident, and amazing. “Fierce” can also describe things that are exceptional and outstanding, like an outfit or event.^{[4]
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- “You look fierce in that outfit! Red is definitely your color.”
- “Sam’s party was fierce! I’ve never had so much fun.”
- Note: “Fierce” and the other slang terms below all have their roots in drag culture, Queer culture, and/or African American Vernacular English (AAVE), just like “snatched.”
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On point When someone tells you your outfit or makeup is on point, they’re saying you look flawless, sharp, and stylish. “On point” is also often used to describe things that are accurate or spot on, like an actor’s performance in a movie.^{[5]
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- “Your shoe game is on point. They always match your outfit perfectly.”
- “Harry Styles’ performance was on point last night! He has the voice of an angel.”
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Serve or serving If someone says you made a serve or are serving looks, they’re complimenting your appearance or style. Basically, they’re telling you that you look amazing, fierce, and on point!^{[6]
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- “Those heels are such as serve. You look like a real-life Barbie.”
- “You are serving face in this picture! You should be a model.”
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Gagged or gagging When someone is so overcome by your fierce looks or outfit serve, they might say they’re gagged or gagging. This is another way to say that you look incredible and they’re stunned speechless.^{[7]
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- “This outfit on you…I’m gagged. You’ve never looked better.”
- “Your dance performance had me gagging! You were mesmerizing.”
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Slay When you’re killing it at something, whether that’s rocking an outfit or winning a competition, your friends might say “Slay.” This slang term is a compliment that means you look incredible or are doing something exceptional.^{[8]
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- “Okay, slay girl! Your haircut is so cute!”
- “Wow, you are slaying this game. No one shoots 3-pointers like you!”