dinkum

1 of 2

adjective

din·​kum ˈdiŋ-kəm How to pronounce dinkum (audio)
Synonyms of dinkumnext
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

See all Synonyms & Antonyms in Thesaurus 

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of dinkum was in 1905

Dictionary Entries Near dinkum

dinking die

dinkum

dinkum oil

See More Nearby Entries 

Cite this Entry

“Dinkum.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dinkum. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.

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