Australian slang meaning genuine, authentic, or true; real and honest without pretense.
Possibly from British Midlands dialect 'dink' (to do right) or Australian coinage; became distinctly Australian in the 19th century, possibly reinforced by German 'dingum' (thingum). The phrase 'fair dinkum' is particularly iconic.
The phrase 'fair dinkum' became Australia's linguistic identity marker—a uniquely Australian way to assert authenticity and honesty that emerged from the mix of British convict transport and gold rush immigration in the 1800s, now inseparable from Australian identity.
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