Part of Speech

Adjective

Pronunciation

/ˈdɪŋkəm/

Definitions

1. Genuine, real, or true; used to describe something or someone that is authentic or honest.

2. In Australian English, used informally to describe something or someone as fair, trustworthy, or decent. Often used in the phrase "fair dinkum."

Usage Examples

• "He’s a dinkum bloke, always helping others without expecting anything in return."
• "Is that a dinkum offer or just a joke?"
• "The team played with dinkum spirit, giving their best in every match."

Etymology

The term "dinkum" originated in Australia in the mid-19th century. It is believed to come from the Chinese word "ding-kam," meaning "genuine" or "real," which was adopted into Australian English by early European settlers and workers. It was popularized in the phrase "fair dinkum," which means "fair and honest."

Synonyms

• Genuine
• Authentic
• Real
• True
• Honest
• Trustworthy

Antonyms

• Fake
• Counterfeit
• Dishonest
• Untrustworthy

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

In Australian English, "dinkum" is typically pronounced with a soft "d" sound, and the "u" sound is often flattened to sound like "uh" in the middle of the word. In other English-speaking regions, the pronunciation remains largely unchanged, although it is less frequently used.

Historical Usage

The term "dinkum" became widely used in Australia during the gold rush era of the 19th century, likely due to its association with the Chinese laborers who worked in the goldfields and used the phrase "ding-kam" to mean "real" or "genuine." Over time, it became a staple of Australian slang, symbolizing authenticity and fairness.

Cultural Nuances

In Australian culture, the term "fair dinkum" is a colloquial expression signifying honesty or fairness. It is often used in casual conversations to affirm that something is genuine or trustworthy. The phrase can also be employed to express enthusiasm or agreement, such as saying, "That's fair dinkum!" to acknowledge a point made by someone else.

More Information

"Dinkum" is a key element of Australian identity, embodying the spirit of openness and authenticity. It is often used to describe people, actions, or objects that are considered true, sincere, or without pretense. The term continues to be popular in contemporary Australian slang, where it is used to refer to everything from fair business practices to personal integrity.