Meaning & use
deuces
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“deuces” is a form of “deuce”. See that entry for the full set of meanings.
Meanings
interjectioninformal
Used informally to say goodbye, often while holding up two fingers in a peace sign.
Grammar: Used as a standalone exclamation, not as a verb or noun; often followed by a name or 'y'all'.
Patterns
- deuces
- deuces, [name]
I've got to go—deuces!
Deuces, y'all, see you tomorrow.
He waved and said, 'Deuces,' as he walked out the door.
nouncountable
The number two on a dice or playing card; also a playing card with two pips.
Grammar: Countable noun; plural is 'deuces'.
Patterns
- a pair of deuces
- roll a deuce
He rolled a deuce and moved two spaces.
She held a pair of deuces in her hand.
The deuce is the lowest card in many games.
Word forms
| plural | deuces |
|---|
Common combinations
- say deuces
- He said deuces and left the party early.
- throw up deuces
- She threw up deuces as she drove away.
- deuces to [someone]
- Deuces to you all; I'm out.
- peace out, deuces
- Peace out, deuces—I'll catch you later.
Synonyms and how they differ
- peace
- Also an informal goodbye, often with a two-finger sign; 'peace' is more common in general slang, while 'deuces' specifically references the number two.
- later
- A casual goodbye; 'later' is more neutral and does not involve a hand gesture.
- bye
- Standard goodbye; 'bye' is not slang and works in any situation, unlike 'deuces'.
Word family
- deuce noun
- The number two in cards or dice; also used in the phrase 'what the deuce' as a mild oath.
Commonly confused: deuces or duces? deuces or duce?
deuces vs duces
A common misspelling of 'deuces'; 'duces' is not a standard English word (though it is a Latin plural meaning 'leaders'). Write 'deuces' for the goodbye.
deuces vs duce
An Italian title meaning 'leader'; not used for the number two or as a goodbye.
Practice
Which sentence uses 'deuces' correctly as an informal goodbye?
Choose one answer.
'Deuces' is an interjection used to say goodbye, so it fits in 'She said deuces and hung up.' Option A uses it as a verb, which is not standard; option C uses it as a noun meaning playing cards, which is a different sense; option D uses it as a verb, which is also wrong.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “deuces”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.