kadeyhme

[gaɾeiʔme]

the cracking noise made when crushing a louse under one’s fingernail

Bininj Kunwok – approx 2,000 speakers – Australia (West Arnhem, Northern Territory)

When finding a mother louse ngalbadjan, it is satisfying to crack it between one's thumbnails or by using mabarla, a special flat stick used to part hair and crush lice.

The verb can also incorporate the noun bid (hand), to form the word kabiddeyhme, 'pull the trigger of a gun.'

Bininj Kunwok is one of the small number of Australian languages still being acquired by children, and is used as the daily language of communication in the community of Gunbalanya (Oenpelli), Northern Territory. More about Bininj Kunwok.

Source: Alexandra Marley (fieldwork)