Source: Jason LaVeris / Getty
This week, Kim Kardashian decided to rep for International Women’s Day by releasing a set of emojis and stickers that championed women’s empowerment.
Good cause, right?
The only problem is the emojis and stickers, or as Kim calls them”Kimojis,” were filled with slang that she probably knew little about before a certain group made them hot.
Terms like “ratchet,” “slay,” and “boy bye” were floating around Black spaces way before they probably reached Kim.
The fact that Kim is selling these Kimojis on an app store for $2.99 makes the whole situation even more annoying. Though no one has full ownership of language, Kim does have a history of overshadowing the work of Black women. The fact that she’s profiting off of terms like “ratchet” and “slay” feels like another punch in the gut.
With that being said, I thought I’d celebrate some of the Black women who might not have created the terms Kim is using, but they sure made them hot. Swipe through for some Black ladies to celebrate this Women’s History Month!
“Boy Bye” – Beyoncé
Let’s start with the obvious, shall we? One line from Queen Bey’s “Sorry” track is forever immortalized for the ain’t crap fellas. Surely Kim knew this before she made her little emoji right???
“Slay” – Black and brown queer communities, Beyoncé
Another term Beyoncé made even more popular, but was an everyday accolade in LGBTQ communities of color. Even Beyoncé probably knew this, considering Big Freedia shouts “I came to slay b*tch” over her “Formation” music video. Seems like Kim is now trying to hop on the bandwagon.
“Nasty Woman” – Lil’ Kim
I know this is a reference to Trump calling Hillary Clinton a “nasty woman.” Crowds of women everywhere have since reclaimed the term as a beacon of empowerment. But don’t get it twisted, rappers like Lil’ Kim were probably being called a “nasty woman” way before Hillary. She was someone who took pride in her sexuality, despite any name calling. Just give a listen to songs like “Gimme Dat” and “Big Momma Thing” and you’ll know Kim had no shame. She was purely unapologetic.
“My Body, My Choice” – Amber Rose
Another woman who’s continuing the long history of sexual empowerment. Her famous SlutWalk aims to squash the stigma against women who enjoy sex.
“Grab America Back” – Maxine Waters
No other politician has publicly called for Trump’s impeachment louder than Auntie Maxine. If Trump has America under the palm of his hand, Auntie Maxine is ready to grab it right back. Sure Kim can use the term, but folks like Maxine Waters are actually doing the work.
