The Brief: YAS, yaass, yaaas, yass queen, yasss kween, yas Gaga, and other variations of the word are positive exclamations and terms of encouragement.

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Extra A’s, S’s, and exclamation points are often added for emphasis. Although the exact origins of this term are up to debate, the general consensus is that it came from people of color in queer ball culture.

“Yaass Gaga” went viral after this video of a fan expressing love for Lady Gaga by shouting “YAASS GAGA.”

The term has also been popularized by Ru Paul’s Drag Race, Nicki Minaj, Broad City, and Two Dope Queens.