deadass
/ˈdɛd.æs/
Very CommonCompletely serious or genuinely true. Used to emphasize that you are not joking.
Can be used as an adverb (I deadass forgot) or as a standalone confirmation (Deadass?). Tone ranges from emphatic to disbelieving.
Real-world examples4 examples
| # | Example | What it means | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | I deadass forgot my own birthday. | The speaker genuinely forgot their birthday and is not joking. | x, 2023 |
| 02 | Wait, deadass? You got the job? | Expressing surprise and asking for confirmation. | tiktok, 2024 |
| 03 | He deadass showed up in a suit to a pool party. | He genuinely wore a suit to a pool party, which is absurd. | reddit, 2023 |
| 04 | This is deadass the best pizza I've ever had. | This pizza is genuinely the best they have experienced. | instagram, 2024 |
Use it when
- You want to emphasize you are telling the truth.
- You are surprised something is real.
- You want to stress the intensity of a statement.
- You are confirming something unbelievable.
Do not use it when
- In formal writing or professional communication.Use “seriously” instead.
- When something is only slightly true or a mild opinion.Use “lowkey” instead.
Deadass vs no cap
deadass
Deadass emphasizes seriousness or truth, often with a blunt or surprised tone.
VS
no-cap
No cap also means not lying, but is lighter and more casual.
Origin and context
Originated in New York City slang, particularly among Black and Latino communities. Gained widespread internet popularity in the mid-to-late 2010s through memes and social media.
- First seen
- mid-2010s
- Confidence
- medium
Cite this page
Use this stable URL to reference the entry.
https://slang.fyi/deadassUpdated: 2026-08-25License: CC BY 4.0