WordGarden.iodeuce
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /djˈuːs/
US
- /ˈdus/
Meanings
Noun
a tied score, especially 40-40 in tennis, after which a player must win by two points
a playing card, die face, or similar game piece with the value two
(slang)a bowel movement or feces, especially in the slang phrase "drop a deuce"
Interjection
(informal)used in mild exclamations to express surprise, annoyance, or emphasis
Beyond the definition
You probably first hear "deuce" on the tennis court! When both players reach 40–40, the score is called "deuce." From there, a player must win two points in a row to win the game—it's like a mini-reset. But "deuce" isn't just for sports. It is the usual name for a two on dice or playing cards. You might also hear it as a mild oath; if someone is frustrated, they might cry out, "What the deuce!"—a polite way of saying "What the devil!" Finally, it can figuratively describe a stalemate where two sides are locked in an even, difficult struggle.
The word "deuce" has a surprisingly varied history, stemming from the Old French word deus (meaning "two") and eventually becoming deeply ingrained in the world of sports and games. Most commonly, you'll encounter it in tennis when the score reaches 40–40. At this point, the game is tied and the "advantage" system kicks in; a player must win two points in a row to secure the game. This constant back-and-forth makes "deuce" synonymous with a tense, alternating struggle for victory.
Beyond the court, "deuce" is the standard term for a playing card or a die showing the value of two. In a poker game, you might be lucky enough to hold a "pair of deuces." However, the word also took a darker turn as a euphemism for the devil or bad luck. This is where we get the expression "the deuce is in it" or the frustrated exclamation "What the deuce!" It implies that something is confusing, difficult, or being meddled with by an unseen force.
Whether you are keeping score at Wimbledon, holding a low hand in cards, or expressing your surprise at a tricky situation, "deuce" is a versatile word. It elegantly bridges the gap between a simple number and a complex standoff, always circling back to its roots in the number two.
Examples
- 1
Tennis score
At deuce, she stayed calm and hit two strong serves in a row.
- 2
Tennis scoring
He thought he had the game, but a double fault brought it back to deuce.
- Domainin tennis, bring it back to deuce
make the score 40-40 again
- 3
Old-fashioned surprise
What the deuce are you doing out here at midnight?
- Usagewhat the deuce
an old-fashioned way to show surprise or annoyance
See also
Similar
- forty-all
Contrast
- advantage
- game point
Used with (collocations)
- at deuce
- back to deuce
- deuce court
Explore
- tennis scoring
- break point
Forms and spellings
2 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- deucenoun
Forms
- deucespluralnoun