"Given the deuce" is a common expression that means "to be in trouble or difficulty." The first word, "given," is pronounced as /ˈɡɪvən/ in IPA phonetic transcription, with a hard "g" sound and a short "i" vowel. The word "deuce," however, is pronounced as /duːs/ in IPA phonetic transcription, with a long "u" sound and a silent "e" at the end. This spelling may seem strange, but it comes from the French word "deux," which means "two."
"Given the deuce" is an idiomatic expression used to convey surprise, frustration, annoyance, or astonishment. It is primarily an informal phrase that originated in the late 18th century and is mostly used in British English.
The phrase "given the deuce" can be interpreted as an exclamation to express disbelief or strong emotions. The term "deuce" refers to the number two in cards, with specific reference to the two dots or pips representing the number. Historically, the deuce was considered an unlucky card in many card games, which may have contributed to the phrase's connotation of a negative or unexpected event.
When someone exclaims "given the deuce," they are typically reacting to a surprising or unexpected turn of events. It suggests that the speaker is taken aback or frustrated by the situation. For example, if a person finds out they have to work on a day they had planned to take off, they might exclaim, "Given the deuce, I was really looking forward to that day!"
Overall, "given the deuce" is a colloquial expression used to convey astonishment or irritation in response to a sudden or undesirable circumstance or situation.