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Meaning of Deadass in Slang?
I’ve been noticing the slang deadass floating around for quite a while now, especially on TikTok most importantly, in conversations or social media posts, and I figured it was time to break it down and explain what it really means.
If you’ve been hearing it also and have been too shy to ask or have been wondering what the hype is all about, you’re in the right place.
Let’s dive into it and get to the bottom of what deadass really means in slang.
Key Takeaways:
- Deadass is a New York slang term that means “seriously” or “for real.”
- Emphasis on Honesty: Deadass is primarily used to stress the truthfulness and seriousness of a statement.
- Cultural Roots: Originating from New York, the term has gained widespread usage across different regions and cultures.
- Versatile Usage: It's commonly used in casual conversations to reinforce sincerity, eliminate ambiguity, and enhance credibility.
What Does Deadass Mean?
Deadass is a slang term that originates from New York City, particularly within African American Vernacular English (AAVE).
It’s used to emphasize that someone is being completely serious or genuine about what they’re saying.
When someone says they are deadass about something, they’re essentially saying, “I’m not joking,” or “I’m being 100% serious right now.”
The word can convey a sense of urgency or intensity, almost as if the speaker is swearing to their sincerity.
For example, let’s say you’re talking to a friend about a difficult situation, and they’re unsure whether you’re being serious.
You might respond, “I’m deadass telling you, this is really happening.” It’s your way of stressing the gravity of the situation.
Where Did Deadass Come From?
Like many slang terms, deadass didn’t just appear overnight, it has roots in New York City’s street culture, where slang is constantly evolving.
It started out as part of AAVE, but like a lot of slang, it spread across different communities and became popular with younger generations, especially Gen Z.
New York has always been a melting pot of cultures and dialects, and as a result, slang terms from there tend to travel quickly, thanks to social media and the influence of local hip-hop culture.
Although it’s widely used across the United States now, it’s still closely associated with NYC.
So, if you hear someone in a rap song or a viral TikTok using deadass, it’s pretty much their way of signaling authenticity.
It’s both an expression of emotion and a declaration of truth.
Deadass started in New York but is now used by people all over the world."Originating from New York City's vibrant slang culture, 'deadass' has transcended its regional roots to become a globally recognized term, thanks in part to the internet and social media
NOTE: Deadass has nothing really to do with being dead in slang. When someone says I'm dead, it has an entirely different interpretation according to Gen Zs.
How to Use Deadass in Sentences
You might still be wondering exactly how to use deadass in a sentence.
No worries, I’ve got you covered. Deadass can be used in a variety of ways, and the key is using it to emphasize sincerity.
Here are a few examples to show how flexible this term can be:
- To emphasize seriousness:
- “I deadass can’t believe he said that to me.”
- “Deadass, I’ve been trying to get this project done all week.”
As you can see in these cases, deadass helps underscore just how serious or taken aback the speaker is.
They’re not just casually commenting, they’re really feeling some type of way about it.
- As a response to someone questioning your sincerity:
- “You really think I’m lying? Deadass, I’m telling you the truth.”
- “Deadass, I would never do something like that.”
From my view of the instance here, deadass is like a confirmation, you're solidifying that what you’re saying is no joke.
It’s your way of saying, “I’m not messing around.”
- To agree with something someone else said, emphasizing your agreement:
- “That movie was crazy, deadass.”
- “Deadass, this food is the best I’ve ever had.”
In this scenario, deadass is used to add emphasis, showing that you’re 100% on board with the opinion being shared.
You’re not just agreeing, you’re amplifying your agreement.
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Deadass is one out of over 199 popular Internet Slangs terms that are trending right now, check out the others too.
Is Deadass Only Used by Gen Z?
Although deadass started off as a term used mainly by younger generations in New York City, it’s made its way into broader culture, thanks to social media.
With Gen Z leading the charge in slang evolution, deadass has become part of the wider lexicon.
It’s not just something you’ll hear on the streets of Brooklyn, it’s used in memes, viral TikToks, and even in mainstream media now.
That said, it’s still more common among younger people, especially in casual settings.
If you’re having a serious conversation with someone, you’re probably not going to hear them drop deadass in the middle of their points.
But if you’re talking with friends or engaging in a more laid-back chat, expect to hear it a lot.
NOTE: Deadass can turn a simple statement into something undeniably credible. It adds weight to your words, making people pay attention ~ savvyslangs.com
Can Deadass Be Used in Formal Conversations?
While deadass is a term that’s widely understood and used, it’s definitely not the type of slang you want to use in formal or professional settings.
It’s best reserved for casual conversations with friends, online interactions, or places where you’re comfortable with informality.
In formal situations, you’re better off sticking with words like “seriously” or “truly,” as these convey the same level of sincerity without risking sounding out of place.
Imagine trying to tell your boss “Deadass, I need this deadline extended,” it might not land as well as you'd hope.
Variations of Deadass
Just like with any slang, deadass has its own variations and ways people add their own flavor to it. Sometimes you’ll hear:
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“Deadass serious” – A more intense version, where the person is doubly emphasizing their sincerity. “I’m deadass serious right now, this isn’t a joke.”
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“Deadass though” – A variation often used to end a statement or highlight agreement. “That was the best concert ever, deadass though.”
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“Deadass, for real” – Combining two expressions for even more emphasis. “I’m deadass, for real, I can’t believe she did that.”
Why Do People Love Deadass?
There’s something about deadass that just makes it stick. Maybe it’s because it feels real, it’s not just another word you hear over and over again; it carries weight and meaning.
It’s a way to express raw honesty or frustration, and in today’s fast-paced world, people appreciate having a shorthand to communicate those feelings quickly.
Moreover, deadass has become a symbol of authenticity. It’s the go-to term when you’re tired of fake conversations or sugarcoating things.
When you say something is deadass, you’re putting it all on the table without holding back.
In a world full of filters and facades, deadass offers a refreshing dose of realness.
Read Also: 15 charming slang words for attractive female.
Wrapping Up
To sum it up, deadass is a slang term that’s used to express how serious, genuine, or sincere someone is being.
It’s definitely a term that’s been adopted by younger generations, especially Gen Z, but it’s widely recognized and used across the U.S.
It’s a great way to emphasize your point, whether you’re stating something with sincerity or reinforcing how much you agree with something.
So, the next time you want to stress how serious you are or how much you agree with someone, just throw a deadass in there.
It’s an easy way to add some extra emphasis to your words and make sure people know you’re speaking from the heart.
Sources
DEADASS EN- wikitionary
What is the origin of the word "deadass" and when did it originate? - Reddit
What do you think you?