We’re all born naked and the rest is drag: style in the speech of the drag queen Rita Von Hunty

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DOI:

https://doi.org/10.21165/el.v55i1.3888

Abstract

In this article, we analyze the stylistic variation in the speech of the Brazilian drag queen Rita Von Hunty. From the perspective of the Third Wave of Sociolinguistics, the study investigates how linguistic features—in this case, the diminutives—function within the dynamics of stylistic construction in drag art, which is, by nature, performative and exaggerated. The analysis, inspired by digital ethnography methodologies, is based on videos published on the YouTube channel Tempero Drag, where, since 2015, Rita has combined humor and education to promote social mobilization within the progressive sphere. Preliminary results show a high frequency of diminutives in Rita Von Hunty's speech, compared to previous studies on groups with different gender/sexuality projections, which supports the notion of exaggeration in drag. This study may contribute to the discussion of the relationships between language, gender, and performance.

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Published

2026-06-02

How to Cite

Mourão, N. (2026). We’re all born naked and the rest is drag: style in the speech of the drag queen Rita Von Hunty. Estudos Linguísticos (São Paulo. 1978), 55(1), 299–317. https://doi.org/10.21165/el.v55i1.3888

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Artigos