As a language and cultural expert with a deep understanding of the nuances in both English and Chinese, I'm here to provide you with an insightful explanation of the terms "sashay" and "Shante" as they are used in contemporary contexts, particularly within the drag and LGBTQ+ communities.
First, let's delve into "sashay." The term "sashay" is a verb that has been popularized in the context of the drag community and competitive reality shows like "RuPaul's Drag Race." Traditionally, "sashay" means to walk with a free, graceful, and swaying movement, often associated with a confident and stylish gait. In the drag community, it's used to describe a way of walking that is both glamorous and campy, typically with an exaggerated hip movement and a lot of attitude. The act of sashaying is not just about the physical movement; it's also about the performance and the flair with which it's done.
Now, onto "Shante." The term "Shante" you're referring to is actually a combination of two words: "sashay" and "sha-nay-nay," which is often contracted to "Shantay" or "Shante." The phrase "And I don't know her" is commonly appended to "sha-nay-nay," making the full phrase "Sashay, sha-nay-nay, and I don't know her." This is a popular catchphrase from "RuPaul's Drag Race" and has become a part of the show's lexicon. When a drag queen is dismissed from the competition, the host, RuPaul, often tells them to "sashay away," which means to leave the stage with style and grace. The addition of "sha-nay-nay" is a playful and dismissive way of saying that the person being sent away is not relevant or memorable, and the one saying it doesn't acknowledge them or their presence.
The term "Shantay" as explained by RuPaul, means "to weave a bewitching spell," which is an interesting interpretation. It's possible that RuPaul is drawing a connection to the French word "enchanter," which means "to enchant" and is related to the English word "enchanted." However, it's important to note that "Shantay" in the context of "RuPaul's Drag Race" and the drag community doesn't necessarily carry this literal meaning. Instead, it's used as a fun, flamboyant, and somewhat dismissive phrase that adds to the show's unique and colorful language.
In conclusion, both "sashay" and "Shante" are terms that have been embraced by the drag and LGBTQ+ communities and have found a broader audience through the popularity of "RuPaul's Drag Race." They represent a blend of performance, attitude, and a unique cultural language that is both playful and empowering.

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That song's chorus also features RuPaul repeating the phrase "Sashay! Shantay!" When asked about the meaning of "shantay", RuPaul replied that the term means "to weave a bewitching spell." (Possibly from the French "enchant--" which is cognate to English "enchanted".)read more >>