dinkum

1 of 2

adjective

din·​kum ˈdiŋ-kəm 

Australia and New Zealand

: authentic, genuine

—often used with fair

I was fair dinkum about my interest in their culture

—Percy Trezise

dinkum

2 of 2

adverb

Australia and New Zealand

: truly, honestly

—often used with fair

—often used interjectionally

Synonyms

Adjective

• authentic
• bona fide
• certifiable
• certified
• echt
• genuine
• honest
• pukka
• pucka
• real
• right
• sure-enough
• true

Examples of dinkum in a Sentence

Adjective

somewhat surprised to learn that our guide through the outback was a fair dinkum crocodile hunter

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

English dialect dinkum, noun, work, share of work

First Known Use

Adjective

1905, in the meaning defined above

Adverb

1915, in the meaning defined above