dink

¹ American  

[dingk] / dɪŋk /

noun

1. dinghy.

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dink ² American  

[dingk] / dɪŋk /

noun

Tennis, Volleyball.

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

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dink ³ American  

[dingk] / dɪŋk /

noun

Slang: Extremely Disparaging and Offensive.

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

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dink ⁴ American  

[dingk] / dɪŋk /

Or DINK

noun

Informal.

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

   Dinks may be able to retire early.

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dink ¹ British  

/ dɪŋk /

adjective

1. dialect neat or neatly dressed

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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 British  

/ dɪŋk /

noun

1. a ball struck delicately

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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.

Etymology

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)

Example Sentences

The term "DINK" has gone viral on Chinese social media, including Xiaohongshu, where its hashtag has received more than 731 million views, sparking differing views on the subject.

From Barron's • Jan. 5, 2026

Another man describes his role as one half of a DINK, or "Double Income No Kids" family, an increasingly common family unit in 21st century India.

From New York Times • Nov. 12, 2012