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What does "Fair dinkum" mean?

It means genuine or true, and can emphasise that you really mean something. Said as a question, it can mean are you serious, often with surprise or disbelief.

The saying in a sentence

The saying

Fair dinkum

Example

Fair dinkum, that's the biggest fish I've seen.

When you use it

Use it in a casual conversation to stress that something is real, or to check whether a surprising story is true.

When you do not

Avoid it in formal writing, where genuine or really is clearer. Said sharply as a question, it can sound as though you doubt the other person.

Yarn with Bruce.

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