deadass
/ˈdɛd.æs/ IELTSAcademic
adverb
In very informal slang, it means seriously, truly, or honestly. People use it to show they are not joking or exaggerating.
- I deadass forgot my keys.
- Are you deadass right now?
- He deadass said that to me.
adjective
Used to describe someone as very serious, or to say a statement is meant seriously. It is very informal and common in speech and online writing.
- She was deadass about the offer.
- That was a deadass question.
- I am deadass tired today.
Adinary Nuance
Deadass is closer to seriously or honestly than to formal words like sincerely. It is much more casual and slangy than for real, and it often sounds playful or strong. Use it with friends, not in business or academic writing.
In other languages
- Vietnamese
- thật sự
- Spanish
- en serio
- Chinese
- 真的
- Japanese
- マジで
- Korean
- 진짜
Etymology
Deadass comes from African American Vernacular English and New York City slang. It became more common online in the 2010s, especially in casual speech and social media.
Common phrases
deadass seriousdeadass tireddeadass for realdeadass question
Synonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
- Is deadass formal or informal?
- It is very informal slang. Avoid it in academic, business, or polite professional writing.
- Is deadass the same as seriously?
- Yes, but deadass is much more casual and slangy. Seriously is safer in most situations.
- Can I use deadass in an essay?
- No, not usually. It sounds too informal for essays and formal assignments.
- What is the difference between deadass and for real?
- Both show that something is true. Deadass feels more slangy and stronger in casual speech.