Fair Dinkum: NLA Publishing releases updated edition of popular title on Aussie slang

15 Aug 2023

A woman in a red shirt who has two lorikeets sitting on her heard, and 7 perched in front of her.

David Beal, 'Australia Welcomes You', c.1969, nla.gov.au/nla.obj-138063038

Fair Dinkum Aussie Slang by H.G. Nelson

Australian slang unites the ‘true blue’ and the ‘dinky-di’, and separates the ‘cheeky little possums’ from the ‘happy little Vegemites’.

In this updated edition of Fair Dinkum from NLA Publishing, with a refreshed cover and updated slang phrases, readers will learn to distinguish their drongos from their dropkicks and discover where our unique vernacular comes from.

Slang tells us much about our history; in this book are words that have evolved from Indigenous languages, the dialects of the British Isles and the names and catchphrases of Australian celebrities.

This title features images from the National Library’s collections to illustrate the slang words and phrases, and includes commentaries by H.G. Nelson. A mix of traditional and modern slang, in a fresh design, this guide will educate and entertain readers, and tickle their funny bones.

The new edition of Fair Dinkum: Aussie Slang is available in bookstores now.

About the author

H.G. Nelson and colleague Roy Slaven presented This Sporting Life on Triple J for 22 years. Every weekend, this dynamic duo – who could score from anywhere on the paddock – blasted their way through the big issues of sport. H.G. Nelson is a man who is dedicated to balls and the pursuit thereof. He would be mortified if he was unable to take his place in an Ashes-bound first eleven or run on in a Grannie due to a lack of fitness. Along the way, as time and his strict training regime have permitted, H.G. Nelson has put on the guernsey for other television projects, including The Project, It’s a Knockout, Club Buggery, The Channel Nine Show, The Monday Dump, Roy & HG’s Spring Carnival, The Cream and The Memphis Trousers.