What's the funniest drag queen name? We were determined to find out, wading through bad puns and worse.
We dug through gay forums and blogs to get 100 of the funniest names, then we asked, in a national survey of 5,000 gay men, which name made their makeup run.
Here’s a sample of the names we included in our poll:
Armed with witty homophonic puns, cheeky double entendres, and a healthy dose of pop culture references, the drag queen names we included in the survey all deserve prizes, but alas the golden ring only goes to a single diva.
So, prepare to laugh, gasp, and maybe even blush as we introduce the winners:
Eileen Dover stands head and shoulders above the rest as the pinnacle of drag name humor. Why, you ask? Let's explore:
1. The Element of Surprise
Eileen Dover masterfully utilizes the element of surprise. At first glance, it appears to be a relatively ordinary name, perhaps even reminiscent of a classic Hollywood actress. However, when spoken aloud, the true genius of the name is revealed: "I leaned over." This unexpected twist and play on words catch the listener off guard, making it even funnier.
2. Perfectly Balanced Wordplay
Eileen Dover strikes the perfect balance between familiarity and originality. It combines a common first name, Eileen, with a familiar last name, Dover, creating a name that feels authentic. Yet, it transforms these everyday names into a unique and entertaining pun.
3. Subtle Double Entendre
The humor in Eileen Dover's name lies in its subtle double entendre. It isn't overly vulgar or explicit but still contains a cheeky undertone that is sure to elicit laughter. The name walks the fine line between risqué and playful, adding to its charm and wit.
4. Brevity and Simplicity
Eileen Dover demonstrates that less is often more when it comes to humor. The name is short and simple, making it easy to remember and share with others. It's a name that quickly becomes part of drag queen lore, spreading laughter wherever it's mentioned.
5. Universally Relatable
Finally, the humor in Eileen Dover's name is universally relatable. Regardless of your background or familiarity with drag culture, the pun can be easily understood and appreciated.
Eileen Dover encapsulates the very best of drag queen name humor. With its unexpected twist, perfectly balanced wordplay, subtle double entendre, brevity, and universal appeal, Eileen Dover stands as the undisputed queen of funny drag queen names.
To understand what makes a drag queen name hilarious, we consulted some linguists. Turns out, all funny drag queen names involve clever wordplay, from spoofing real people (Queef Latina) or fictional characters (Ella Vader) to referencing popular culture (Patty Melt) or cheeky phrases (Anita Bump).
Sadly, the drag name universe is plagued by an infinite number of bad puns. These dreadful examples include forced misspellings (Orna Mint, Rhea Listik) and contrived combinations (Ivana Kutchakockoff, Dusty ChanDiLear). Some try way too hard (Bey Khan), some almost succeed (Onya Neeze), and others make us laugh, even if we don't want to give in (Abortia Clinique). The key is the element of surprise. The best do it by using commonly used first and last names so that it takes you a second to get it (Dee Klein).
Creating a fabulous and funny drag queen name isn't as simple as it may seem. It requires wit, creativity, and a keen sense of humor. So, what are the secret ingredients to crafting a truly stellar drag queen name? Let's break it down.
Homophonic puns, where words sound similar but have different meanings, are a drag queen's best friend. These puns add a layer of cleverness to a drag queen name, and when done right, they can be downright hilarious. As we mentioned earlier, George Carlin was a master of this type of humor ("Atheism is a non-prophet institution").
Homographic puns are another essential ingredient for a great drag queen name. These involve words that are spelled the same but have different meanings and pronunciations. Think of the classic example, "You can tune a guitar, but you can't tuna fish." These puns can create an unexpected twist, making the name memorable and laugh-out-loud funny.
The best drag queen names begin with a seemingly ordinary first name, like Lois, and then deliver an unexpected punchline, like Common Denominator. The key is to catch your audience off guard, making them pause for a moment before they burst into laughter.
Tying a drag queen name to pop culture or current events can make it more relatable and entertaining. By referencing something that most people are familiar with, like a celebrity or a news story, your drag queen name becomes an inside joke that everyone's in on. Just make sure the reference isn't too obscure, or the humor may be lost on some.
Drag queens are known for their cheeky humor, and incorporating double entendres and suggestive wordplay into their names is a perfect way to showcase that. Names like Anita Bump or Amber Alert are prime examples of this type of humor, walking the line between risqué and outright naughty.
A great drag queen name should feel both familiar and unique. Use common first and last names in unexpected ways, creating a sense of familiarity while still being fresh and original. This balance will make the name more memorable and entertaining, leaving a lasting impression on audiences.
Lastly, a stellar drag queen name should evoke a sense of character or persona. The name should give a glimpse into the personality and style of the drag queen, creating a strong identity that audiences can connect with. This helps to make the name more than just a clever play on words, transforming it into a full-fledged alter ego.
When all these elements come together, you'll have a drag queen name that's equal parts funny, fabulous, and unforgettable. The best names will not only make people laugh, but also inspire them to tip big and become loyal fans.
So, what's in a drag queen name? A whole lot of "homos": homophonic puns, homographic puns, and homonymic ones too. Some might make you roll your eyes, but the best ones will have you rushing to the stage with dollar bills in hand.