What it means
Devo is shorthand for devastated, meaning properly gutted, heart-sunk, having a little emotional wobble because something’s gone pear-shaped. People drop it when bad news hits, from missing a gig to getting dumped or losing the footy final. It’s casual, a bit dramatic, and usually said with a heavy sigh so everyone clocks the misery.
Usage examples
"I was devo when the lad texted saying the match was off and we’d already necked two pints and paid for the train."
"I was absolutely devo when the gig got cancelled, I'd waited months for it."
"She's devo about missing the trip, but she'll come along next time for sure."
"Mate, I was devo when they sold out right as I got to the checkout."
"He's absolutely devo his phone's gone in the canal after one stupid little wobble on the bridge."
Where it comes from
Devo is a clipped form of devastated. It took off in Australian and British informal speech as part of that habit of chopping words down till they sound quicker, punchier, and a bit more casual. Same meaning underneath, just with more everyday sigh-in-your-voice energy.
Other ways to say it
Editors of this term
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