What it means
Means brilliant, class, seriously good, even though it sounds like a warning label. In Irish chat you’ll call a film, a night out, or even someone’s new jacket deadly when it’s spot on. It’s an easy, high-grade compliment, usually said deadpan like it’s no big deal, which somehow makes it even better.
Usage examples
"That film was deadly, proper craic from start to finish. We’ll grab a takeaway and go again tomorrow if the cinema’s not packed."
"That gig was deadly, best night we have had in ages, my ears are still ringing and I would do it all again."
Where it comes from
In Ireland deadly flips its dark meaning completely on its head: far from lethal, it means brilliant, class, the absolute best. A deadly night out, a deadly tune, a deadly bit of news. The contrast is the charm, a word that sounds menacing but lands as the warmest possible praise. Pure Irish enthusiasm.
Other ways to say it
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