Kink
/kɪŋk/noun
A sharp twist, unusual feature, or unconventional sexual preference or practice.
Did you know?The sexual sense of “kink” is relatively modern, appearing in twentieth-century English, while the older word described bends, knots, and irregularities in physical objects.
Etymological Timeline
17th Century
English
kink
“A sharp twist, bend, or knot in something such as rope or hair”
17th Century
English
kink
“A mental or physical peculiarity, especially an awkward complication or flaw”
19th Century
English
kink
“A curl, twist, or irregularity in hair or a material”
Early 20th Century
English
kinky
“Characterized by unusual twists or curls; later extended to unconventional sexual behavior”
Mid-20th Century
English
kink
“An unconventional sexual preference or practice”
Modern English
English
kink
“A sharp bend, unusual feature, or non-mainstream sexual interest”