Traditional
Still common
Definition
Genuine, honest, absolutely true - also used as an intensifier.
Example Sentence
"Deadset, that's the best pie I've ever had."
Where "Deadset" Comes From
"Deadset" grew out of the older English "dead" used as an intensifier (as in "dead right" or "dead certain"), fused with "set" to mean fixed and unmistakably true.
It's been common across Australia since at least the mid-20th century as an all-purpose stamp of sincerity.
How Aussies Actually Use It
Aussies drop it in to underline that something is genuinely true, or to hype up just about anything, good or bad: "deadset legend" or "deadset shocker."
It also stands alone as a reaction, similar to "seriously?" or "no way!"
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