Origins:
Some report that it originated from the English Midlands meaning a fair day's work (and subsequently fair play (1896 in Lincolnshire), though because of the known dates of usage, this may of originated from the Australian usage of the phrase.
Other reports indicate it originated in the goldfields from one of the more widely spoken Chinese dialects (Cantonese) 'ding kam', 'din gum' roughly translating to "true gold.
An interesting (but less known) source could be the latin phrase "Vere Dictum", meaning Truly said. Sources supporting this refer to it being used in legal events, and thus early Australian convicts may of heard that phrase and mis-pronounced it.
References:
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