kink

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "kink" is a correct and usable word in written English.
Generally, it can be used to refer to an unconventional sexual practice or a strange twist, anomaly, or piece of knowledge. For example, "This kink in the plumbing requires special care when fixing it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

And then there's this:The massive kink in the above chart of 5-year inflation expectations through 2010?

The Economist

Its entrance helped to reduce prices by more than half across the industry, and within a few years eAccess had 15% of the market.Meanwhile, yet another kink needed straightening in Japan's telecoms market.

The Economist

One absurd kink has been created by the withdrawal of tax-free allowances once income passes £100,000 ($160,000), leaving a marginal rate of 60% between the middle and top rates of income tax (which kicks in at £150,001).

The Economist

Eliminating this anomalous kink in the tax schedule by aligning the employee NICS ceiling and the higher-rate threshold would both make sense and raise almost £1 billion a year.However, a sizeable tax shortfall would remain.

The Economist

Mr Sobyanin's appointment irons out this kink.

The Economist

A congenital defect had left him with a kink in his arm; he was unable to straighten his elbow fully.

The Economist

But even if his numbers are right that is just a kink in a graph of killing that has risen for most of the past four years.If the case for staying depended on extrapolating from the modest gains the general claims for his surge, it would be a weak one.

The Economist

By 2005, though, the line had a kink in it.

The Economist

This will introduce a new kink into a tax system already riddled with inefficiency, complains Jeremy Blackburn of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors, an industry body.

The Economist

Britain ironed out this kink in 2003 but it remains one of the few countries to have done so.However, just as in conventional finance, as more transactions take place the economies of scale mean that the cost of each one rapidly falls.

The Economist

One does not need to resort to a "kink" in a utility function to explain the value created in such contexts.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When referring to a physical "kink", ensure the context is clear to avoid misinterpretations. For example, specify if it is a "kink" in a hose or a "kink" in someone's neck.

Common error

Be mindful of the multiple meanings of "kink". In professional or formal settings, consider whether a more precise term would be better to avoid unintentional offense or miscommunication.

Linguistic Context

The word "kink" functions primarily as a noun, referring to a twist, bend, or difficulty. It can also function as a verb, meaning to form a twist or bend. Ludwig provides examples across these various usages.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Encyclopedias

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "kink" exhibits versatility, functioning as both a noun and a verb with meanings spanning physical distortions, operational flaws, and unconventional preferences. As Ludwig AI points out, the word follows standard grammar rules and its high frequency across reputable sources like The Economist and The New Yorker underscores its integration into common parlance. However, its appropriateness hinges on context; While acceptable in neutral or informal settings to describe a bend or a problem, its use in discussing sexuality demands sensitivity and potentially more precise language to avert misinterpretations or offense. Understanding these nuances ensures effective and responsible communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

twist

Focuses on the physical aspect of bending or turning.

quirk

Emphasizes the odd or unusual nature of something.

peculiarity

Highlights a distinctive characteristic or feature.

abnormality

Implies a deviation from what is considered normal or standard.

irregularity

Suggests a departure from a regular pattern or form.

complication

Refers to something that makes a situation more difficult.

flaw

Indicates a defect or imperfection.

idiosyncrasy

Highlights a unique and often strange habit or characteristic.

fetish

Specifically refers to a strong and unusual sexual interest or desire.

perversion

Carries a strong negative connotation, suggesting a corrupt or distorted form of sexuality.

FAQs

How can "kink" be used in a sentence?

"Kink" can refer to a bend (There's a "kink" in the road ahead), a problem (We need to work out the "kinks" in the system), or a sexual preference (He has a specific "kink").

What is the definition of "kink"?

The word "kink" can refer to a twist or bend, a flaw or difficulty, or an unusual sexual preference.

What can I say instead of "kink" when referring to a problem?

You can use alternatives like "glitch", "snag", or "hitch" depending on the context.

Is "kink" appropriate in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "kink" may be inappropriate in formal writing depending on the context. If referring to sexual preferences, it's generally best to use more clinical or neutral language. If referring to a problem, choose a more precise term like "obstacle" or "challenge".