Where “Dekko” Comes From
“Dekko” means a look. It comes from the Hindi word “dekho”, meaning “look!”, brought into English by the British in India. Green’s Dictionary of Slang defines it as “a glance or view”.
Its earliest dated uses in Green’s are from 1856, in a report from India, and 1894. It’s used in Britain and Australia for a quick look.
Source:
“Come and have a dekko at the new kitchen.”
How Aussies Actually Use It
It’s a friendly, casual word. You might say it when you ask someone to come and see something.
In Real Life
“Have a dekko” is the usual way to use the word, as in “Come and have a dekko at the new kitchen.” It’s friendly and casual, and often used when someone wants to show off something new, like a car, a garden or a baby photo. It’s also used when you want a quick look yourself: “Let me have a dekko.” Australians also say “squiz” and “gander” for the same thing.
Quick Questions
Is dekko the same as squiz?
Yes. Both mean a quick look, and “squiz” is also very Australian.
Where does dekko come from?
From the Hindi word “dekho”, meaning “look!”, through British use in India.
Say It Like an Aussie
Say it: DEK-oh.
In conversation:
- Have a dekko at this.
- Let me take a dekko.
- I had a quick dekko and left.
Good to know: You’ll nearly always hear it in the phrase “have a dekko” or “take a dekko”. It’s also used in Britain.
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