The 'Deadass' meme originates from African American Vernacular English (AAVE), specifically rooted in New York City culture to signal absolute sincerity or truth. While the term has been a linguistic staple for decades, it surged as a digital phenomenon in the mid-2010s, frequently associated with 'Timbs' (Timberland boots) and the 'B' emoji. It serves as both an inquisitive prompt—asking for confirmation of a claim—and a firm statement of honesty. In internet culture, the meme usually features images of people looking intensely serious or wearing stereotypical New York attire, perfectly capturing the moment when a joke stops and real talk begins.