kink
C1Informal to Neutral; the sexual meaning is informal/slang.
Definition
Meaning
A short, sharp twist or bend in something that is otherwise straight, such as a rope, wire, or hair.
An unconventional sexual preference or practice. More generally, any peculiarity or quirk in a person, plan, or system.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The word's primary physical meaning is neutral, but its dominant modern use refers to non-normative sexual interests, carrying significant social and contextual weight. Careful contextual awareness is required.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Both meanings are understood and used in both varieties. The physical meaning might be slightly more prevalent in UK technical/engineering contexts, but the pattern is subtle.
Connotations
Identical in connotation for both primary meanings. The sexual sense is universally informal/slang.
Frequency
The sexual sense is likely the most frequent in general informal discourse in both regions. The physical sense remains common in specific domains like plumbing, mechanics, and textiles.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
There is a kink in [NOUN PHRASE]to kink (intransitive)to kink [OBJECT] (transitive)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Iron out the kinks (to solve small problems)”
- “A kink in one's armour (a weakness)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Used metaphorically: 'We need to iron out the kinks in the new software rollout.'
Academic
Rare in formal academic writing except in specific fields like materials science or psychology/sexology.
Everyday
Common for describing physical twists (a kink in a garden hose) and, in informal settings, for discussing unconventional tastes.
Technical
Used literally in engineering, plumbing, and textiles to describe an undesired bend or compression in a linear material.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The old cable has kinked and needs replacing.
- Be careful not to kink the tubing when you install it.
American English
- The garden hose kinked, stopping the water flow.
- I kinked my neck sleeping awkwardly.
adverb
British English
- (Not standard; 'kinkily' is extremely rare and not recommended.)
American English
- (Not standard; 'kinkily' is extremely rare and not recommended.)
adjective
British English
- (As 'kinky') She has beautifully kinky, curly hair.
- (As 'kinky') The film explored kinky subcultures.
American English
- (As 'kinky') His hair is more kinky than wavy.
- (As 'kinky') They read a book about kinky sex.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- There is a kink in my straw, so I can't drink.
- My hair gets a kink in it when it's wet.
- We found a kink in the plan and had to delay the meeting.
- The wire kinked and broke when I bent it.
- The plumber fixed the kink in the copper pipe.
- The novel's protagonist has a peculiar kink for collecting spoons.
- Before the product launch, the team worked tirelessly to iron out the last few kinks.
- The study examines the sociology of kink and fetish communities.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a KINKY rope – it's not straight, it has sharp bends and twists.
Conceptual Metaphor
PROBLEMS/IMPERFECTIONS ARE TWISTS IN A STRAIGHT PATH (e.g., 'kinks in the plan').
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid direct translation with 'кинк' as a recent, niche borrowing. For the physical sense, use 'изгиб', 'петля'. For the sexual sense, use 'особая склонность', 'фетиш', 'нестандартные вкусы'. The word is not equivalent to 'странность' for general oddity.
Common Mistakes
- Using it as a direct synonym for 'hobby' or 'interest' without its unconventional/sexual connotation. Confusing 'kinky' (adj.) with 'kink' (noun) in structure.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'kink' LEAST likely to be used?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Its original and still valid meaning refers to a physical twist or bend. However, the sexual meaning is very common in informal discourse, so context is crucial.
In sexual contexts, a 'kink' is a broader term for non-normative practices or interests. A 'fetish' typically refers to a specific, often required, focus on an object, body part, or situation for sexual arousal. All fetishes can be considered kinks, but not all kinks are fetishes.
Yes. As a verb, it means 'to form or cause to form a sharp twist or bend' (e.g., 'The hose kinked').
It is a common, neutral-to-informal metaphorical idiom. It would be acceptable in business meetings but might be replaced with 'resolve the issues' or 'fix the problems' in very formal written reports.
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