Fair dinkum
Meaning
Truly genuine, authentic, or honest; used to express truthfulness or sincerity.
Origin
The word 'dinkum' is thought to have traveled to Australia from Lincolnshire, England, where it was a dialect term meaning 'work' or 'a fair share of work'. During the demanding colonial era in Australia, a strong emphasis was placed on genuine effort and honesty. The phrase 'fair dinkum' thus evolved, combining 'fair' with this dialect word, to signify something truly honest, authentic, or legitimate. It quickly became a hallmark of Australian speech, used to confirm truthfulness with a direct, no-nonsense spirit that mirrored the pioneering ethos of the young nation.
Examples
- He swore the fish he caught was this big, and fair dinkum, it barely fit in the cooler!
- Are you fair dinkum about selling your classic ute, or are you just testing the waters?