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

He only had a couple of chances but he took probably the hardest one after having the patience and strength to hold off a couple of challenges and just dink the ball over the goalkeeper.

From BBC

He knew when to smash it, when to place it, when to dink it, and when to chip the keeper from the edge of the area.

From BBC

Leigh passed up opportunities throughout the game with Edwin Ipape stopped just short, French grounding a Lam kick to deny a spirited chase, and a late dink ricocheting behind despite a sterling chase.

From BBC

The defender stepped up and nonchalantly delivered a dink down the middle of the goal to spark scenes of wild jubilation - before emotionally celebrating with his mother in the stands.

From BBC

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

From Washington Post