Fair dinkum is classic Aussie slang. It’s a variant of dinkum which was first recorded in Australian English in 1890. Even though the use of fair dinkum may be less common now, it’s still relatively popular throughout the country.

There is some debate about the origins of dinkum, but it’s likely to have come from a British dialect. Evidence suggests that it was during the First World War when its use became really widespread and, for a period of time, it was even used as a noun to describe Australian soldiers (the ‘Dinkums’).

Nowadays, fair dinkum is used as an adjective, adverb, or as an exclamation and is generally defined as ‘fair; genuine; honest; true’ (Australian National University).

The internet is full of examples of how to use fair dinkum, but here are just a few to give you an idea.

Fair dinkum used as an adjective:

“That’s a fair dinkum sapphire.” (= genuine)

Fair dinkum used as an adverb:

“He’s a fair dinkum nice guy.” (= genuinely/really)

Fair dinkum used as an exclamation:

A: “We got engaged last night.”
B: “Fair dinkum?” (= Really?)

When used as an exclamation, it’s important to remember to alter your intonation and facial expressions to indicate surprise, etc.

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Glossary

classic – something that remains popular over a long period of time

variant – something that is slightly different from other similar things

dialect – a form of a language that people speak in a particular part of a country, containing some different words and grammar, etc.

noun – a word that refers to a person, place, thing, event, substance, or quality

genuine – If something is genuine, it is real and exactly what it appears to be.

adjective – a word that describes a noun or a pronoun

adverb – a word that describes or gives more information about a verb, adjective, adverb, or phrase

exclamation – something you say or shout suddenly because of surprise, fear, pleasure, etc.

fair – If something is fair, it is reasonable and is what you expect or deserve.

genuine – If something is genuine, it is real and exactly what it appears to be.

honest – telling the truth or able to be trusted and not likely to steal, cheat, or lie

true – sincere or loyal, and likely to continue to be so in difficult situations

engaged – having formally agreed to marry