adjective
General Slang
Deadly
/ˈdɛdli/ · adjective · informal
Excellent, brilliant, class — Irish for something genuinely great.
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Definitions
1
Used as an exclamation of approval or excitement.
“We got the tickets — deadly!”
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2
Impressive or cool, describing a person, object, or plan.
“Your new jacket is deadly, where'd you get it?”
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3
Excellent, brilliant, or really good.
“That gig was deadly, best band I've seen all year.”
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Deadly In A Sentence
Deadly news lads, the trip is booked.
That chipper does a deadly spice bag.
New phone is absolutely deadly so far.
Origin & Usage
An inversion of the standard meaning (dangerous/lethal) into a positive intensifier, common in Hiberno-English since at least the mid-20th century. Part of a wider slang pattern where 'bad' words mean 'great'.
People Also Ask
What does deadly mean in Irish slang?
It means excellent or brilliant — a positive word, the opposite of its standard 'lethal' meaning.
Is deadly a compliment in Ireland?
Absolutely. Calling something deadly means you think it's great, cool, or class.
How do you reply to good news with deadly?
Just say 'deadly!' on its own as an excited reaction, like saying 'brilliant!' or 'class!'
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