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.

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adjective

1. pink.

pinko British  

/ ˈpɪŋkəʊ /

noun

1. a person regarded as mildly left-wing

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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

It was left to Baden-Powell to shake off these pinko associations, give the movement a bit of military backbone, and extend the hand of international friendship to the Hitler Youth Movement.

From The Guardian • Jul. 6, 2011

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

From Time Magazine Archive

Like Dan's old tavern, the book is cluttered with all sorts of people�righteous madams, pining widows, pinko artists, lovelorn profs.

From Time Magazine Archive