Every industry has certain lingo, terms and slang. The pageant world is no different. Below you will find some of the most common used pageant words and what they mean.
Pageant System-Each pageant is a privately owned business. Each “system” has its own set of rules, areas of competition, scoring system, focus, and look.
Director-The private business owner of a pageant. The director makes all the decisions surrounding the pageant.
Aging-Up and Aging-out: There are different age divisions within pageants. Aging-up refers to when you move up to the next age bracket, whereas aging out means you are too old for a division. For example, if a girl turns 10, she has “aged-out” of the 7-9 year old division and “aged-up” into the 10-12 year old division. At age 10, she is at the “bottom” of her age group where the 12 year old would be “at the top.” There is no standardized age categories in pageantry so check with the director for the cut off dates to determine which age group you or your child will be competing in.
Glitz-Refers to a type of pageant style. Generally speaking, dresses are highly stoned cupcake dresses, big hair, lots of makeup, spray tanning, enhancements, and Pro Am routines are used.
Cupcake dress– Short dress that is several inches above the knee with multiple layers of tulle, stones, and are generally custom-made. This is the standard dress in a glitz pageant.
Stoned– Clothing decorated with AB (AB stands for Aurora Borealis that shines with many colors) and clear rhinestones.
Pro Am– Elaborate modeling routines where turns and tricks, exaggerated head and hand gestures, and props are used.
Natural– Refers to a type of pageant style. G enerally speaking, the dress is more conservative but still glamorous. Hair and makeup are to enhance the natural beauty, not to become the focus point.
Flippers– Fake teeth. Flippers are an oral retainer that fits over the natural teeth to fill in missing teeth and enhance the appearance of a person’s teeth. These are used in glitz pageants.
Butt glue-Slang for roll-on or aerosol adhesive used to keep the swimsuit in place on your bottom.
H/M– Hair and Makeup Stylist
“OTR” or Off the Rack– Means an outfit bought at the store and has not been embellished.
Custom made or Customized– Handmade to fit the contestant. Usually OOAK.
“OOAK”– One of a kind, term used when referring to pageant wardrobe.
Titleholder– A contestant winning a crown and sash. In some pageant systems there are multiple titles, or queens, crowned within the same age division.
Court– The runners up.
Judge’s bio– This is a contestant’s resume that the judges receive. It is sometimes called a contestant application, fact sheet, or resume.
Optionals– Additional areas of competition judged by a separate panel of judges and have NO influence on the selection of the overall title.
Casual Wear -It is not blue jeans and a graphic t-shirt. It is a before 5pm outfit that is fashionable, fun, and trendy. It can either be OTR or custom-made.
At-Large Contestant– A contestant who did not compete at a preliminary competition but can compete for the state or national title.
Appointed Queen– The director selects a contestant to represent the state at the national pageant when a state pageant wasn’t held.
Cutlets-Silicone pads that look and feel like raw chicken breasts that contestants put in their swimsuit tops and bras to go up a cup size or two.
Prelim– Short word for Preliminary Pageant. Prelims are smaller local pageants that feed into a larger state competition. The queen is required to compete at the state pageant. State winners are required to compete at the national pageant.
Platform– Is a service project or non-profit organization that a contestant is heavily involved.