pinko: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowInformal, Pejorative, Dated
Quick answer
What does “pinko” mean?
A derogatory slang term for a person with leftist or mildly socialist political views, but not a full communist.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A derogatory slang term for a person with leftist or mildly socialist political views, but not a full communist.
It can refer to any person, institution, or idea perceived as being sympathetic to socialism or communism, often used as a pejorative label in political discourse. Historically used during the Cold War era.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term originated and was used primarily in American political slang, particularly in the mid-20th century. British usage is less common but understood, often referencing American political culture.
Connotations
In the US, it is strongly associated with McCarthyism and anti-communist rhetoric. In the UK, it may have a slightly more ironic or historical feel, sometimes used in media commentary about US politics.
Frequency
Very low frequency in modern usage in both dialects. Mostly found in historical texts or deliberate historical references.
Grammar
How to Use “pinko” in a Sentence
[be/label/call] + [someone] + a pinkoVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “pinko” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The tabloids tried to pinko the Labour candidate by linking him to 1970s union leaders.
- He was pinkoed by his opponents for supporting the NHS.
American English
- The senator accused his rival of trying to pinko the healthcare bill.
- They were pinkoed by the conservative talk show host.
adjective
British English
- He was dismissed for his pinko views on nationalisation.
- The paper published a pinko manifesto from the student union.
American English
- My grandfather called any tax increase a pinko plot.
- They denounced the environmental plan as pinko nonsense.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used only in historical or political science contexts discussing Cold War-era rhetoric.
Everyday
Extremely rare. If used, it is in heated political arguments, often by older speakers.
Technical
Not applicable.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “pinko”
Strong
Neutral
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “pinko”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “pinko”
- Using it as a neutral term (it is pejorative).
- Using it to describe actual, card-carrying communists (it implies they are not fully committed).
- Spelling it as 'pink-o' (though this reflects the pronunciation, the standard spelling is 'pinko').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is considered a dated term, primarily associated with the mid-20th century Cold War. It may be used for deliberate historical effect or by older conservatives, but it is not part of mainstream modern political vocabulary.
No. It is inherently pejorative and mocking. Using it neutrally would be seen as unusual or as an adoption of the insulting perspective.
A 'communist' explicitly adheres to communist ideology. A 'pinko' is a derogatory label implying someone has left-leaning or socialist sympathies but may not be a formal communist; it suggests weakness, naivety, or disloyalty from the speaker's perspective.
It plays on the colour symbolism of red for communism/socialism. 'Pink' suggests a lighter, less intense, or watered-down version of red, hence a less committed or more moderate leftist.
A derogatory slang term for a person with leftist or mildly socialist political views, but not a full communist.
Pinko is usually informal, pejorative, dated in register.
Pinko: in British English it is pronounced /ˈpɪŋkəʊ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈpɪŋkoʊ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Pinko commie (redundant, emphatic derogatory phrase)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of the political colour spectrum: RED (communist) -> PINKO (soft communist) -> BLUE (conservative). A 'pinko' is someone who has been 'pink-washed' with socialist ideas.
Conceptual Metaphor
POLITICAL IDEOLOGY IS A COLOUR (on a spectrum from red to blue).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following best describes the primary connotation of 'pinko'?