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

Bergs briefly halted Fonseca's momentum in the deciding set, but a perfectly measured half-volley forehand dink across court moved the teenager 4-2 ahead before he served out the match.

From BBC • Jun. 23, 2025

A mess at the back from Victoria Eason gifted Kirsty Morrison, on her 100th appearance, the chance to dink Hibs ahead.

From BBC • Mar. 10, 2024

Accrington started brightly and eventually got their reward when 18-year-old substitute Leslie Adekoya scored his first senior goal with a clever dink over Illan Meslier following a cross from the right.

From BBC • Jan. 28, 2023

“Tom Brady is Tom Brady. He was meticulous in staying to the plan of his dink and dunk,” Jordan said.

From Washington Post • Dec. 5, 2022

There was a metallic dink on the pavement behind Ranofer.

From "The Golden Goblet" by Eloise Jarvis McGraw