dink

[dingk]

noun

dinghy.

Origin of dink

First recorded in 1900–05; by apocope and devoicing

dink

[dingk]

noun

Tennis, Volleyball. a softly hit ball that falls just over the net.

Origin of dink

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

dink

[dingk]

noun Slang: Extremely Disparaging and Offensive.

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

Origin of dink

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

Usage note

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

dink

⁴

[dingk]

noun

Informal. either partner of a married couple having two incomes and no children.

Origin of dink

⁴

1985–90; d(ouble) i(ncome), n(o) k(ids)

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Related Words for dink

beret, bonnet, beanie, pillbox, skullcap, tam, fez, parvenu, upstart, yuppie, arriviste, profiteer, vulgarian

Examples from the Web for dink

Contemporary Examples of dink

Dink himself used the word “genocide,” but did not insist that everyone else do so.
Turkey's Problem with America
Christopher De Bellaigue
March 17, 2010

Historical Examples of dink

This Cousin Dink is the limit for selfishness and impertinence.
Mary Louise and Josie O'Gorman
Emma Speed Sampson
Coming along the garden path was none other than the dreaded Dink.
Mary Louise and Josie O'Gorman
Emma Speed Sampson
A "dink," neat or trim, maiden often forgets her "dinkness" after marriage.
The Proverbs of Scotland
Alexander Hislop
But if he dinks to gif you some more of de same veesic, I dink it not too moosh.
Uncle Rutherford's Nieces
Joanna H. Mathews
"Skin your eyes, Dink," said Butsey White, waving a greeting as they passed.
The Varmint
Owen Johnson

British Dictionary definitions for dink

dink

adjective

Scot and Northern English dialect neat or neatly dressed

verb

Australian and NZ mainly children's slang

(tr)to carry (a second person) on a horse, bicycle, etc
(intr)(of two people) to travel together on a horse, bicycle, etc

Word Origin for dink

C16: of unknown origin

dink

noun

a ball struck delicately

verb

to hit or kick (a ball) delicately

Word Origin for dink

C20: imitative of a delicate strike

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for dink

derogatory for "Vietnamese," 1969, U.S. military slang, of uncertain origin.

DINK

acronym for double income, no kids, popular from 1987.