The "Are we deadass" meme originates from the slang term "deadass," which means "seriously" or "completely serious," popularized on Black Twitter around 2016. The phrase "Are we deadass" is used in memes to ask if something is really true or serious, often accompanied by images or GIFs with expressions of disbelief or emphasis on the seriousness of the situation. The slang itself likely began in New York City, with the first online definition dating back to 2003, evolving to become widely used in internet memes and social media, particularly within Black Twitter culture. The meme "Are we deadass" often appears as a humorous or emphatic way to confirm the seriousness or truth of a statement or event.
Examples include meme generators and GIFs emphasizing a very serious or angry expression asking "Are we deadass?" to convey disbelief or to confirm that something is real or serious. It has become part of the meme culture for expressing earnestness or incredulity.
