dink

¹

[ dingk ]

noun

1. dinghy.

dink

²

[ dingk ]

noun

, Tennis, Volleyball.

1. a softly hit ball that falls just over the net; drop shot.

dink

³

[ dingk ]

noun

, Slang: Extremely Disparaging and Offensive.

1. a contemptuous term used to refer to a Southeast Asian, especially a Vietnamese.

dink

⁴

or DINK

[ dingk ]

noun

, Informal.

1. either partner of a usually high-earning couple having two incomes and no children:

   Dinks may be able to retire early.

dink

¹

/ dɪŋk /

adjective

1. dialect.
   neat or neatly dressed

verb

1. slang:childrens.
   1. tr to carry (a second person) on a horse, bicycle, etc
   2. intr (of two people) to travel together on a horse, bicycle, etc

dink

²

/ dɪŋk /

noun

1. a ball struck delicately

verb

1. to hit or kick (a ball) delicately

Sensitive Note

This term was a disparaging and offensive slur applied to a Vietcong or North Vietnamese soldier during the Vietnam War.

Word History and Origins

Origin of dink¹

First recorded in 1900–05; by shortening and replacement of voiced consonant [g] with voiceless [k]

Origin of dink²

First recorded in 1935–40; imitative, probably influenced by dinky

Origin of dink³

An Americanism dating back to 1965–70; compare Australian slang dink “Chinese person”; perhaps back formation from dinky, reinforced by rhyme with Chink

Origin of dink⁴

First recorded in 1985–90; d(ouble) i(ncome), n(o) k(ids) or d(ual) i(ncome,) n(o) k(ids)

Word History and Origins

Origin of dink¹

C16: of unknown origin

Origin of dink²

C20: imitative of a delicate strike

Example Sentences

Dink himself used the word “genocide,” but did not insist that everyone else do so.

From The Daily Beast

"I believe Cousin Dink was lying, anyhow," declared Polly stoutly.

From Project Gutenberg

This Cousin Dink is the limit for selfishness and impertinence.

From Project Gutenberg

Polly thought they had been with Cousin Dink for about a year.

From Project Gutenberg

They said the young woman, whom they call Cousin Dink, had sent them.

From Project Gutenberg

Coming along the garden path was none other than the dreaded Dink.

From Project Gutenberg