deadass
Deadass means “seriously” or “for real.” It’s used to stress that you’re not joking, or, as a question, to ask whether someone else is.
What does deadass mean?
Deadass works like fr or no cap. Placed before or after a statement, it means you completely mean it: “I’m deadass leaving if he shows up.” Sent alone as a question, “deadass?” means “are you serious?”
It contains a mild swear word, so it’s casual and best avoided in formal settings.
How to use deadass
- “I deadass thought the exam was tomorrow.”
- “Deadass, that was the best burger I’ve ever had.”
- A: “I quit my job today.” B: “Deadass?”
- “I’m being deadass right now, stop laughing.”
Deadass vs. fr vs. no cap
All three insist on honesty. Fr is the most neutral and widely used. No cap focuses on not lying. Deadass is a little stronger and carries a New York flavour.
Where deadass comes from
Merriam-Webster dates the slang adverb “deadass,” meaning “in all seriousness,” to 1963. Dictionary.com notes it became especially associated with New York City slang in the late 1990s and 2000s before spreading much more widely online.
Related terms
See more terms like this in our Gen Z slang dictionary.
Notes
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