deads

Deads is a rarely used plural form that may appear for the adjective dead when treated as a noun. In standard English, the plural of dead as a noun is the dead, referring to deceased people collectively. The form deads is typically nonstandard, and appears mainly in informal speech, jokes, headlines, or as a stylized or fictional name.

When encountered in ordinary prose, deads is often considered incorrect for the plural of dead and can be distracting to readers. In formal writing, it is preferable to use the dead, or the deceased, depending on tone and context. The choice between the dead and the deceased can affect connotation: the dead is neutral or blunt; the deceased is more respectful or formal.

In fiction and popular media, deads or The Deads may be used as a proper noun to name a group, faction, or entity associated with death or undead themes. Such usage is creative rather than grammatical, and capitalization signals its status as a title or name rather than a general plural.

Summary: Deads is not a standard plural form in modern English and should be avoided in formal writing. When referring to multiple deceased people, prefer the dead or the deceased; when used as a proper noun, treat it as a stylized name.