Where "Daggy" Comes From
"Daggy" comes from "dag" — literally the clumps of matted wool and dung that hang off a sheep's rear end, about as unglamorous an origin as Australian slang gets. Over the 20th century "dag" shifted from that literal farming image into an affectionate description of an eccentric character, and "daggy" followed the same path as its adjective form.
New Zealand comedian Fred Dagg gave both words a substantial popularity boost through his comedy routines in the 1970s. "Daggy" today describes something unfashionable or uncool that's still likeable — daggy jokes, daggy dancing, a daggy jumper — carrying real warmth rather than genuine criticism.
Source:
"His outfit was daggy but charming."
How Aussies Actually Use It
Used affectionately far more often than as a genuine insult — a daggy dad joke, a daggy jumper, or a daggy dance move are all things Australians tend to find charming rather than embarrassing.
It captures a very Australian attitude toward being uncool: mostly unbothered, and often quietly proud of it.
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