dinkum
Definition
Adjective:
- Genuine or authentic: "dinkum" describes something that is real, true, or honest, especially in Australian and New Zealand slang.
- Fair or just: It can also refer to something that is legitimate or above board.
Noun:
- Hard work: In older Australian slang, "dinkum" can refer to strenuous or honest labor, though this usage is now rare.
Usage Examples
Adjective:
- That's a dinkum offer — I'll take it. (A genuine and sincere proposal.)
- He's a dinkum bloke; you can trust him. (An honest and reliable man.)
Noun:
- They put in a fair dinkum of work on the farm. (They did a fair amount of hard labor.)
Advanced Usage
"Fair dinkum": A common phrase meaning "genuine," "true," or "seriously" (often used as an exclamation or question).
- Are you fair dinkum about moving to the outback? (Are you serious about that plan?)
- Fair dinkum, that was a great game! (Honestly, that was excellent.)
"Dinkum oil": An older slang phrase meaning "the absolute truth."
- He gave us the dinkum oil about the accident. (He told us the complete and honest account.)
Variants and Related Words
- Dinkum (adj): The base form, as defined above.
- Dinkumness (n): The quality of being genuine or authentic.
- His dinkumness made him popular in the community. (His honesty earned him respect.)
Synonyms
- Genuine: truly what something is said to be; authentic.
- Honest: free of deceit; truthful.
- Real: actually existing or true.
- Fair: in accordance with rules or standards; legitimate.
Related Idioms
Fair dinkum: (see Advanced Usage) — used to emphasize truthfulness or sincerity.
- Fair dinkum, I didn't see that coming. (Honestly, I was surprised.)
Dinkum oil: (see Advanced Usage) — the absolute truth.
- Tell me the dinkum oil, no lies. (Give me the honest facts.)
Phrasal Verbs
- Dinkum up: (rare, informal) to make something genuine or to confirm its authenticity.
- We need to dinkum up the story before publishing. (We must verify the truth of the account.)