Slang for Non-Slangulary People: Diva

by Sharmaine Mae Elan

Who’s this diva? You’re looking at him: 2025 LHES Senior Masin Molina, owning the stairs and the spotlight.

Diva - /'dēvǝ/

As Beyoncé says, “Diva is a female version of a hustla.” But what is a hustla, and why is a diva its equivalent? Well, to start, a hustla is an individual who gets up each day determined to create opportunities, profit or good for themselves, no matter the circumstances. It is someone who is motivated to create better out of worse. Traditionally, the term “diva” described a renowned and celebrated singer. Over time, it gained a secondary meaning, referring to a self-important, temperamental individual who is hard to please.

Today, thanks to Gen-Z and TikTok culture, a diva is seen in a new light. It represents an icon — a person, male or female, with high standards. They are the embodiment of confidence, self-love, and a bold manner that they carry themselves.

Example:
A man (Diva) walks in with a fashionable outfit and a confident stride … 

Angelica: Did you see him? Walks in like he owns the place, but honestly, I respect it.

Eliza: She’s got her stuff together and doesn’t apologize for it. Ugh, there’s a word for it, but I can’t remember …

Peggy: (singing) “Na, na, na, Diva is a female version of a hustla.” 

The word is scattered around the TikTok platform where many use the term as a way to compliment others. Phrases like “Who is this diva?” pop up in captions and comments, celebrating the unapologetically confident. If you’re a social media active diva, you may have already seen this trend paired up with Beyoncé’s iconic 2008 song, Diva.

Thank you, Beyoncé.