What does "drop dead diva"(the title of an American show) mean?
I like the show "Drop Dead Diva" and as far as I know, "diva" means women like Maria Carey, Beyonce, etc; "drop dead" has a meaning of "extremely" right?

But I don't understand what the title actually implies to(Because "dead" means the heroine died..)

Is the writer trying to make it a pun or something like that?

Thanks!

Question

What does "drop dead diva"(the title of an American show) mean?
I like the show "Drop Dead Diva" and as far as I know, "diva" means women like Maria Carey, Beyonce, etc; "drop dead" has a meaning of "extremely" right?

But I don't understand what the title actually implies to(Because "dead" means the heroine died..)

Is the writer trying to make it a pun or something like that?

Thanks!

Answer

If something is "drop dead", that means that it is something that will take your breath away, even worth dying for.  It's obviously not the case (at least, I hope not).  It is merely away for people to exaggerate to make sure the point is made in everyone's mind.
A "drop dead diva" would be a singer so beautiful that she caught everyone's attention and held it.  It is assumed that many men would not be able to stop looking at her.

Answer

It comes from the phrase: "drop dead gorgeous".
I think you know what it means.

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