Kinky Meaning: Here’s What It Means and How to Use It

If you’re into unusual or peculiar things, such as role-play, power dynamics, or fetishes, you may have been described as kinky (/ˈkɪŋkɪ/ /ˈkɪŋ.ki/ ) before — but do you know what this catch-all term means? Not to worry; we’ll tell you. 

In this guide, we’re exploring the word kinky to uncover its definition, origin, synonyms, and more. So if you’ve ever wondered what our word of the day means or how to use it in a sentence — keep reading!

What Is the Definition of Kinky?

According to the Collins Dictionary, if someone describes something as kinky, they are likely referring to sexual acts that are unusual, strange, and possibly exciting. That said, the word kinky can also be used as an adjective that means closely twisted or tightly curled.  

What Is the Origin of the Word Kinky?

Believe it or not, our word of the day dates back to nearly a thousand years ago. Yup, it’s true — kinky comes from the Old Icelandic word kikna, meaning to bend at the knees. 

Eventually, the term passed through Middle Low German (kinke) into Dutch (kink), where it came to mean a twist in a rope. When the English language borrowed the Dutch term sometime in the 1600s, it still referred to a twist in a rope; however, it also referred to a curl in a thread, hair, rope, or wire. 

This definition held strong until the mid-20th century when “kink” took on a new twist, identifying a sexually abnormal individual — one who practices sexual perversions. 

Finally, when the adjective kinky made its debut in the English language around the 1800s, it meant having kinks — such as sexual kinks — or closely curled hair. 

What Are Some Well-Known Kinks?

People who consider themselves kinky often have hidden kinks, such as:

• BDSM
• Sadism and masochism
• Ropes and bondage
• Hosiery
• Voyeurism
• Exhibitionism
• Roleplay
• Dirty talk
• Urophilia
• Nipple play
• Voraphilia
• Humiliation
• Cuckholding
• Financial domination
• Auralsim
• Age play
• Orgasm control
• Impact play
• Consensual nonconsent
• Gags

What’s the Difference Between a Kink and a Fetish?

Many people think kink and fetish are terms that can be used interchangeably, but there are some important distinctions that separate the two. 

In short, a kink is something that a person may or may not include in their sexual behavior as a way to boost pleasure and subjective experience. 

On the flip side, a fetish is a very specific requirement — either based on sensation or psychology — that can be acted upon for an individual’s sexual arousal and enjoyment. Although there are many, some of the most common fetishes include:

• Feet
• Shoes
• Ear
• Hair
• Underwear
• Body piercings
• Tattoos
• Gerontophilia  

What Are the Synonyms and Antonyms of Kinky?

As a general term, kinky can refer to anything that is quirky, far-out, or offbeat. More specifically, this is a sexual term for acts that may seem a little odd, such as a foot fetish. 

Now that you understand what kinky means, let’s review a few synonyms and antonyms, shall we?

What Are Synonyms of Kinky?

• Curled
• Frizzy
• Bizzare
• Weird
• Eccentric
• Curious
• Wild
• Cranky
• Erratic
• Crazy
• Permed
• Warped
• Ringleted
• Curly
• Twisted 
• Out-of-the-way
• Outlandish
• Wavy
• Coiled
• Waved
• Peculiar
• Crimped
• Strange
• Wacky

What Are Antonyms of Kinky?

• Familiar
• Expected
• Conformist
• Normal
• Conventional
• Common
• Vanilla
• Customary
• Regular
• Smooth
• Wonted
• Predictable 
• Straight

How Can You Use Kinky in a Sentence?

After learning all about the word kinky, we’re sure you’re wondering how to properly use it in a sentence. Fret not; we’ve got you covered with some great example sentences listed for you o review below:

“Want to come over tomorrow to get kinky?”

“If your hair is really kinky and unmanageable, you may want to consider getting a haircut to snip off the dead ends.”

“Megan isn’t into vanilla sex — she’s a little kinky.”

“Ciara told me that Ryan’s sexual activities are pretty kinky, so just keep that in mind if you plan on going out with him!”

“I have really kinky hair that needs to be conditioned on a daily basis to prevent frizz.”

“Samantha was looking for kinky sex, so she downloaded a dating app to meet like-minded individuals.”

“If you’re into sexual practices that are a bit odd, then you’re kinky!”

“I feel my kinkiest when I am wearing nothing but leather.”

“Tabitha loves wearing kinky clothes for her husband when the kids aren’t home.”

“Jason isn’t necessarily a freak in the sheets, but he does love my kinky boots!”

“I am queer, kinky, and happy!”

“Mike stopped the car in front of a random house where he proceeded to do wonderfully kinky things to me.”

“Tiffany loves his deviant tastes; in other words — she’s kinky!”

What Are Translations of Kinky?

Interested in learning how to say our word of the day in a different language? We’ve got you covered. Translations of kinky which have been provided by the Cambridge English Dictionary are as follows:

• Chinese (simplified) — 奇怪的, 别出心裁的, 怪癖的
• Spanish — pervertido, rizado
• Portuguese — pervertido, cacheado
• Turkish — tuhaf, anormal, cinsel davranış içeren
• French — crépu
• Czech — kudrnatý
• Danish — krøllet
• Indonesian — keriting
• Thai — ที่เป็นม้วนขด
• Vietnamese — quăn, xoắn
• Polish — perwersyjny
• Malay — berpintal-pintal
• German — kraus
• Norwegian — småkruset
• Ukrainian — кучерявий
• Russian — извращенный
• Italian — crespo, ricciuto

Conclusion

To recap, kinky is a word used for unusual things — primarily things that the majority of the population may deem sexually unusual. That being said, it is also a term used to reference frizzy hair, so make sure you always use proper context when using our word of the day, kinky! 

Sources:

KINKY: definition | The Cambridge English Dictionary 

Kinky definition and meaning | Collins English Dictionary

Narratives of the Origins of Kinky Sexual Desire Held by Users of a Kink-Oriented Social 

Networking Website | Research Gate