“Deadass” Meaning, Origin and Examples

Last updated on November 5, 2024 by Isabella Claire

Are you searching for the meaning of Deadass? In this article, we’ll explore the origins, meanings, and common uses of “deadass,” shedding light on how this powerful word conveys honesty, emphasis, and authenticity in just about any context. Whether you’re hearing it for the first time or using it daily, understanding “deadass” opens a window into the vibrant world of contemporary slang.

“Deadass” Meaning, Origin and Usage

Key Takeaways

  • “Deadass” is a slang term that means “seriously” or “honestly” and is used to convey sincerity, emphasis, or truthfulness. It’s often used to underscore that someone is not joking or exaggerating—they truly mean what they’re saying.
Deadass Meaning
Deadass Meaning – Created by 7ESL

“Deadass” Meaning

It’s not only acronyms that can be difficult to understand, but current lingo too. Six months ago, I’d never heard of the word “deadass”. But now that I have, I use it quite frequently. This word originated in Brooklyn and has become quite popular within the last two years. It is most frequently seen on Twitter. However, the first inclusion of it in the Urban Dictionary back in 2003, which means this word has been around a lot longer than most people think.

Main Meaning of “Deadass”

“Deadass” is a question, reaction, and confirmation in New York is what one person wrote on Twitter to explain the purpose of the word. A better explanation of the meaning of “deadass” is slang for “seriously”. It means that you are serious and telling the truth about what you’re saying. An example, “I’m deadass tired.” Meaning, I am seriously tired. It is a shortened version of “dead ass serious.”

Origin of this Term

The slang term “deadass” is believed to have originated in New York City, particularly among African American and Latino communities, before spreading widely across the United States. Though its exact origin is uncertain, it likely emerged in the 1990s or early 2000s. The word combines “dead,” as in “dead serious,” with “ass,” a common slang intensifier, to emphasize sincerity or seriousness.

Other Meanings

“Deadass” also has a few other meanings besides “seriously”. It can also be used to describe the numb feeling you get from sitting too long. It means your butt has gone to sleep, or died; hence the phrase “deadass”.  It can also mean someone who has died and cannot be revived.

A third alternate meaning is a person who has partied too much and no longer wants to have fun. It can also be used to refer to someone who makes bad decisions. You would use it in place of something like “dumbass”. Finally, it can be used to explain a bad smell.

Usage of ” Deadass”

The slang term “deadass” is often used to emphasize that someone is being serious or sincere about something. It’s a way of expressing that the speaker is not joking or exaggerating. Here are some examples of how to use “deadass” in different contexts:

In a serious conversation:

  • “Deadass, I think we need to reevaluate our plans for the project; it’s not going to work as it is.”

During a humorous exchange:

  • “I deadass just saw a cat wearing a little sweater. I can’t even!”

Talking about a personal experience:

  • “Deadass, that was the best concert I’ve ever been to; the energy was unreal!”

In a discussion about a relationship:

  • “If you’re not interested, just say so. I need you to be deadass with me.”

Expressing disbelief or emphasis:

  • “You won the lottery? Deadass? That’s amazing!”

Related Terms to “Deadass”

  • No Cap: Means “no lie” or “I’m serious,” often used to emphasize truthfulness.
  • Facts: Used to agree strongly with something or confirm that it’s true.
  • Bet: A term for agreement or acknowledgment, similar to saying “Got it” or “Okay, seriously.”
  • Real Talk: Used to indicate a serious conversation or truthful statement.
  • On God: A phrase used to swear or confirm that someone is serious or truthful.
  • For Real: A straightforward way to convey that something is genuine or honest.
  • Legit: Short for “legitimate,” meaning truthful or serious.
  • Lowkey: Used to express something subtly but seriously, often meaning “honestly” or “kind of.”
  • I’m Not Playing: Emphasizes seriousness or that one isn’t joking.
  • Word: Often used in agreement or to affirm that something is true.

Other Ways to Say the Term

  • Fr = for real
  • Legit
  • Not Messing
  • Dead-S
  • Literally
  • Fu**ing idiot
  • No lie
  • No joke
  • Very
  • Severely
  • Extremely
  • (S) – Seriously
  • SRS – Serious
  • SRSLY – Seriously

“Deadass” Examples

Conversation Examples

Example 1 Using “Deadass” as “seriously”

  • Stan: Dude I deadass don’t remember sh*t from last night
  • Adam: FR? Dammit boi. You hooked up with Rose
  • Stan: FML you bs’ing.
  • Adam: nah I’m being legit. I tried to talk you out of it but you was wasted
  • Stan: JMFC I gotta call my gurl ttyl

Analysis

In this example, Stan is using the word “deadass” as a replacement for “seriously”. He partied too hard the night before and had a blackout, which led to him hooking up with someone who clearly isn’t his girl. If you can’t handle your liquor, you shouldn’t drink. It rarely ends well.

  • FR = For Real
  • FML = Fu** My Life
  • vbs’ing” = Bullshitting
  • JMFC = Jesus Mother Fu**ing Christ
  • TTYL = Talk To You Later

Sentence Examples

  • “I’m deadass going to the gym every day this month—no more excuses.”
  • “You deadass thought I’d forget your birthday? Not a chance!”
  • “I’m deadass telling the truth; I saw him at the store yesterday.”
  • “Deadass, this is the best pizza I’ve ever had in my life.”
  • “She looked me in the eyes and said, ‘Deadass, I’m moving to another country.'”
  • “Are you deadass going to quit your job? That’s a huge step!”
  • “Deadass, I didn’t study for the exam, and now I’m stressed.”
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