NAIDOC Week turns 50: Exploring the meaning of 'deadly' in Aboriginal English

The word "deadly" is a cornerstone of Aboriginal English, carrying a meaning far removed from its standard English definition of causing death. For Indigenous Australians, "deadly" signifies something positive, evoking pride and excitement. This year's NAIDOC Week celebrations, themed "50 Years of Deadly," aim to explore the diverse meanings of this term across the country and how they reflect the journey of Aboriginal people over the past five decades.

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For us, it's not death. It's one of the highest compliments, especially at footy, especially at our gatherings. You hear, you see our flag go out and that's just too deadly.

Nyul Nyul and Bardi man Matt Francis, who grew up in Broome, shares his personal connection to the word. He recalls the "Deadly Awards" in the 1990s, which celebrated achievements in music, sport, arts, and community leadership within Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. His involvement in Indigenous media further exposed him to the power of Aboriginal storytelling and the importance of people sharing their own narratives from their own perspectives, which he also considers "deadly."

Glenys Dale Collard, a proud Nyungar woman with extensive knowledge of Aboriginal English and Indigenous language preservation, emphasizes the positive connotations of the word. She states that "deadly" is one of the highest compliments, often heard at sporting events and community gatherings. For her, seeing the Aboriginal flag displayed is "too deadly."

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What interests me about this year's NAIDOC theme is that while "deadly" is one of the most recognisable words in Aboriginal English, I suspect it means something slightly different to everyone who uses it.

The exploration of "deadly" during NAIDOC Week invites a deeper understanding of its cultural significance and how it has evolved. It offers a chance for both Indigenous Australians and others to connect with the rich linguistic heritage and the pride associated with this unique expression.

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I'm curious to explore what deadly means to mob around the country, how those meanings reflect the journey of the last 50 years and how they help others understand what Aboriginal people might mean when they use "deadly".