New York meaning
deadass
Seriously, honestly, or completely; used to stress that something is true or sincere.
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Meaning
Deadass is an emphatic informal term meaning seriously, genuinely, or without joking. It can strengthen a full statement, confirm sincerity, or intensify an adjective such as serious.
Pronunciation and grammar
/ˈdɛdˌæs/ · adverb and adjective
Very informal slang; sometimes considered coarse because of its second element.
How it is used
A speaker may put deadass at the beginning or end of a sentence, or use it before an adjective. The expression is strongly associated with New York speech, although it is now understood much more widely.
Examples
Local: Deadass, that train skipped three stops.
Plain English: Seriously, that train skipped three stops.
Local: I'm deadass tired after that shift.
Plain English: I'm completely tired after that shift.
Important context
Deadass does not always express anger. Its main job is emphasis or sincerity, and the surrounding tone determines whether it sounds playful, frustrated, or serious.