dinkum

[ ding-kuhm ]

adjective

, Australian.

1. genuine; authentic.

dinkum

/ ˈdɪŋkəm /

adjective

1. genuine or right

   a dinkum bloke

2. fair dinkum
   genuine or true: used to emphasize the truth of something or in asking for the truth of something to be confirmed

   Back to the states? Fair dinkum?

3. dinkum oil archaic.
   the truth

Word History and Origins

Origin of dinkum¹

First recorded in 1890–95; origin uncertain, possibly from Lincolnshire dialect dincum, dinkum “work, hard work,” extended to mean “doing one's fair share of work”

Word History and Origins

Origin of dinkum¹

C19: from English dialect: work, of unknown origin

Example Sentences

Stephen Roche, who filmed the video, described the incident as a "fair dinkum stampede" and can be heard warning the animals to "not stand on my golf ball".

From BBC

"I think that is very wrong and unfair and really sad. We're not racist people here, we're fair dinkum Australians. Everyone is equal."

From BBC

She's been told that her order of Dinkum Dolls, made in China, won't arrive in England until 7 January.

From BBC

Fair dinkum, for the government heavyweights not to be able to step in in this situation ...

From The Guardian

"There's a place called Dinkum, there's a place called Mate, there's a place called Bruce as well."

From BBC