pinko

American  

[ping-koh] / ˈpɪŋ koʊ /

noun

plural

pinkos, pinkoes

1. a person with left-wing, but not extreme, political opinions.

2. a person who leans toward communist ideology.

---

adjective

1. pink.

pinko British  

/ ˈpɪŋkəʊ /

noun

1. a person regarded as mildly left-wing

---

Etymology

Origin of pinko

First recorded in 1935–40; pink ¹ + -o

Example Sentences

It’s a curious sentiment for her to feel like she should be doing more, considering her activist history eclipses pretty much the entirety of Hollywood’s, but it’s a genuinely heart-warming notion from our pinko grandmother.

From The Guardian • Nov. 1, 2019

Mr. Navasky is the former editor and publisher of The Nation, the venerable journal of the left that Calvin Trillin has warmly referred to as “a pinko magazine printed on very cheap paper.”

From New York Times • May 23, 2013

Richard Schiff is excellent in the small role of the American Ford executive who must come over to sort out this costly pinko mess.

From The Guardian • Sep. 30, 2010

As for the "pinko" charge, Aquino had a cool response.

From Time Magazine Archive

Last year Hollywood smacked its lips over a pleasant, tuneful, mildly pinko revue called Meet the People that eventually made its way to Broadway.

From Time Magazine Archive