dinkum

[ˈdɪŋkəm]

dinkum Definition

• 1. (chiefly in Australia, New Zealand, and the UK) genuine; authentic; true
• 2. fair dinkum: genuine; honest; sincere

Using dinkum: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "dinkum" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

• Example

  Is this dinkum leather?

• Example

  I'm telling you, mate, it's fair dinkum!

• Example

  Are you dinkum about quitting your job?

• Example

  That's not a dinkum offer, it's a scam.

dinkum Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for dinkum

• authentic
• genuine
• real
• legitimate
• bona fide

Antonyms for dinkum

• fake
• counterfeit
• phony

Phrases with dinkum

• fair dinkum

  an expression used to emphasize the sincerity or truthfulness of what one is saying

  Example

  I'm fair dinkum about wanting to start my own business.

• dinkum oil

  the truth; genuine information

  Example

  I heard it straight from the horse's mouth, so you know it's dinkum oil.

• dinkum vote

  a vote that is not influenced by bribery or corruption

  Example

  We need to ensure that every citizen has a dinkum vote in this election.

Origins of dinkum

originated in Australian English, possibly derived from the Cantonese word 'ding kam', meaning 'top gold' or 'the real thing'

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Summary: dinkum in Brief

'Dinkum' [ˈdɪŋkəm] is an adjective used mainly in Australia, New Zealand, and the UK to describe something that is genuine, authentic, or true. It can also be used as an intensifier, as in 'fair dinkum,' which means genuine, honest, or sincere. Examples include 'Is this dinkum leather?' and 'That's not a dinkum offer, it's a scam.' Phrases like 'fair dinkum' and 'dinkum oil' further emphasize the concept of truthfulness.