Contents
Deuces is a slang used for an action that eventually worked its way into the internet lexicon, although very rarely used. This article introduces the meaning, origin of Deuces with conversation examples.
“Deuces” Meaning, Origin and Usage
Key Takeaways
- Deuces are symbolized by leaving an establishment or home and throwing up two fingers, the middle finger and index finger. Unlike the peace sign, deuces is used to symbolize leaving an area. In internet slang, deuces or giving someone the deuces is a way to show that you are done with someone or something. With the rise of emojis, the “Peace” emoji is commonly employed to stand-in for deuces.
Deuces Meaning
What Does Deuces Mean?
In slang, “deuces” is a casual way of saying goodbye or see you later. It originates from the gesture of holding up two fingers in a peace sign, which resembles the number two, or “deuce.” It’s often used in informal or playful contexts, like when parting ways with friends.
Examples:
- “Alright, I’m out. Deuces!”
- “Had a great time, but I gotta go now. Deuces!”
Origin of this Term
Historically the word deuce has been in English language since the 15th century and was used to refer to the two-sided spot on a six-sided die or a card with the number two. These were called deuce. Etymology studies on deuce show that it’s derived from old words meaning “two”. The actual act of giving deuces likely began in the 20th century and the slang itself was present online since the late 1990s. This being said, it has not seen much widespread usage online.
Usage of this Term
1. As a Farewell
Meaning: Saying goodbye, often playfully or casually.
- Example (Texting): “Heading out now. Deuces!”
- Example (Conversation): “It’s been real, but I gotta bounce. Deuces!”
2. In Sports or Games
Meaning: Referring to a score of two, often in basketball or cards.
- Example (Basketball): “He hit a deuce from the corner!” (meaning a two-point shot)
- Example (Cards): “I’ll play the deuce of spades.”
3. Peace or Truce
Meaning: Symbolizing peace or making amends (linked to the peace sign gesture).
- Example: “Alright, no more arguing. Deuces, man!” (implying a truce or letting things go)
4. As an Exit or Goodbye Gesture
Meaning: Using the peace sign (two fingers) as a physical action while saying goodbye.
- Example (In a party setting): Waves peace sign “Deuces, y’all. Catch you later!”
5. Humor or Sarcasm
Meaning: Used jokingly or with a sarcastic tone to end a conversation or situation.
- Example: “Can’t deal with this nonsense anymore. Deuces!”
- Example: “Oh, you don’t like my opinion? Deuces!” (playfully brushing off a disagreement)
6. Pop Culture or Music
Meaning: Used in lyrics or dialogues to add a cool or laid-back vibe.
- Example (Song Lyrics): “Deuces, I’m done with the drama and lies.”
- Example (Movie Line): “Deuces, I’m outta here.”
Other Meanings
Deuce, singular, is typically used online when the subject of human fecal matter is concerned. When expressing having to go to the bathroom, saying “dropping a deuce” would indicate that one had to excrete and not just urinate. This in turn is derived from the slang phrase “number 1, or number 2”; whereas number 1 meant you have to urinate and number 2 was for excrement. Deuce became a popular buzz word in the early 2000s thanks to the character Stewie Griffin from the American cartoon series Family Guy. Despite being a baby, he would frequently exclaim “What the Deuce” when startled or upset, a more censor-friendly exclamation compared to “what the sh*t”.
Related Terms to “Deuces”
- Peace Out – Informal way of saying goodbye, often paired with a peace sign.
- Later – Casual shorthand for “see you later,” used when parting.
- Outtie – Playful term meaning “I’m leaving” or “I’m out.”
- Bounce – Slang for leaving or departing a place.
- Dip – Another term for leaving quickly or discreetly.
- Split – Informal way of saying you’re leaving a place.
- Jet – Slang for leaving quickly, often in a hurry.
- Bye Felicia – Dismissive way of saying goodbye, often sarcastically.
- Adios – Spanish for goodbye, used casually in English slang.
- See Ya – Informal way of saying “see you later.”
- Catch You Later – Friendly way of saying goodbye, implying future interaction.
- Sayonara – Borrowed from Japanese, meaning goodbye, often playful in tone.
- Hasta La Vista – Spanish phrase meaning “see you later,” popularized by pop culture.
- Two Fingers – Refers to the peace sign, often used to signal goodbye.
- I’m Out – Direct slang for leaving or departing a situation.
Other Ways to Say the Term
- Take care
- I’m off
- See you around
- Keep it real
- So long
- Until next time
- I’m Audi
- Farewell
- Be easy
- Stay safe
“Deuces” Examples
Sentence Examples
- “Alright, I’ve got to head out now—deuces!”
- “After winning the game, he flashed a peace sign and said, ‘deuces!'”
- “She waved with a big smile and yelled, ‘deuces!’ as she left the party.”
- “Can’t deal with this drama anymore, so deuces!”
- “Before driving off, he leaned out the window and said, ‘deuces!’ to his friends.”
- “I’m done with this project for today—deuces until tomorrow!”
- “The meeting was over, and he signed off the call with a quick ‘deuces!'”
Conversation Examples
Text Between Friends:
- Friend 1: Ugh, Barbie was being such a b*tch today.
- Friend 2: Yeah, she’s just nasty. What did you do, girl?
- Friend 1: Honestly, if it weren’t for my nature I’d have smacked her. I gave her deuces and walked away.
- Friend 2: Smart, girl!
Text Between Friends 2:
- Friend 1: Hey, you coming over?
- Friend 2: Yeah, in a bit. At the bar.
- Friend 1: You watching the game?
- Friend 2: I am. Can’t believe the Saints are losing. Must be in the wrong bar, it’s cheering every time they fumble.
- Friend 1: Oof. Give them the deuces and come over to my place.
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