Definition of the word fair dinkum

The origins of the Australian slang term "fair dinkum" can be traced back to the late 19th century. The exact origin of the phrase is unclear, and there are several theories. One popular theory suggests that the expression came from the Australian Aboriginal language, where "fair" meant "truthful" or "true," and "dinkum" meant "real" or "genuine." The two words were combined to form "fair dinkum," which came to mean "honest" or "genuine." Another theory suggests that the term "fair dinkum" was derived from the mating calls of theONE Ringed Plover, a type of bird found in Australia. The bird's alarm call, which sounds like "fair dinkum," was Pickering's literary pseudonym and appears in the poem "The Land of Backward Parson Brown" published by J.D. Lang in 1835. Regardless of its origins, "fair dinkum" became popular among Austrlian gold miners in the late 1800s, and it is now regarded as part of the Australian vernacular. The term is often used to describe Australians' values, such as honesty, straightforwardness, and doing things in an honest and straightforward manner, which are seen as essential qualities for success in a harsh environment.