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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak quote

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak

CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com

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kinky

Grammar usage guide and real-world examples

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'kinky' is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe something that is unconventional, out of the ordinary, and slightly taboo. For example, "She was wearing a kinky hat to the party, which made everyone stare."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Because of it, said Mr Achebe's best-known literary protegé, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, "I realised that people like me, girls with skin the colour of chocolate, whose kinky hair could not form ponytails, could also exist in literature".

News & Media

The Economist

"The idea that you'll meet someone who'll fulfil your desires, even if they're really kinky", Dr Hall explains, "is a powerful one".

News & Media

The Economist

Instead of writing about joyful tractorists who fulfil their production quotas, novelists these days write about kinky sex, drug addiction and extreme violence.

News & Media

The Economist

The screenwriting prize went to Anne Fontaine's sub-Chabrol murder story "Nettoyage à sec", in which the brilliant Miou-Miou plays the wife of a Belfort dry-cleaning shop-owner drawn with him into kinky pursuits.

News & Media

The Economist

As for the kinky stuff, Mr Robinson is referring to Mr Miller's vote not to micromanage the National Institutes of Health's budget for research into sexually-transmitted diseases.

News & Media

The Economist

She ends up falling for Beverly, beginning a kinky love affair with him and sharing not only her body but also her drug habit.

If you haven't been paying attention to the porn industry lately, it's important to understand that Deen is not your stereotypical star: Over his 11-year career, Deen has emerged as the unlikely darling of the industry – the kind of slender, sensitive guy you'd expect to see in a boy band rather than a kinky X-rated film.

News & Media

Independent

Laurence Mitchell subtly shows you the painful self-mistrust of the paedophilic young man, establishing how (in a way) neither of these needy people want to play the kinky forfeit game the older one has instigated and that only Oscar's flash of clairvoyance about the man's married status serves to prevent.

News & Media

Independent

His sophisticated work was counterbalanced by kinky bondage-style pants and bra harnesses.

News & Media

Independent

I would have suggested that Two Tribes had at least one round in honour of the Frankie Goes to Hollywood "Two Tribes" video, in which the contestants donned rubber and PVC and slugged it out in a kinky Cold War-influenced manner.

News & Media

Independent

Dornan has revealed how he researched his role by visiting a sex dungeon to learn about kinky fetishes.

News & Media

Independent
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Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "kinky" in writing, ensure that the context is clear and considerate, as it often carries strong connotations related to sexuality and unconventional preferences. Avoid using it gratuitously or in contexts where it may cause offense.

Common error

Avoid using "kinky" as a general term for 'unusual' or 'different' when the context has no connection to sexuality or unconventional preferences. This can lead to misinterpretation and dilute the word's specific meaning.

Antonio Rotolo, PhD - Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Antonio Rotolo, PhD

Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Source & Trust

83%

Authority and reliability

4.5/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Linguistic Context

The word "kinky" primarily functions as an adjective, modifying nouns to describe something that is unconventional, peculiar, or related to non-normative sexual practices. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is correctly used in written English. Examples show its use in contexts ranging from describing hair to sexual behavior.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Encyclopedias

13%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "kinky" is an adjective primarily used to describe something unconventional, peculiar, or related to non-normative sexual practices. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used. While "kinky" can also refer to tightly curled hair, its primary association is with sexuality. It appears most frequently in News & Media sources but is rare in formal business contexts. Related terms include "perverted", "unconventional", and "eccentric", each carrying slightly different connotations. When using "kinky", it's essential to be mindful of the context and potential for misinterpretation, avoiding generalizations or insensitive applications. Its frequency of usage is classified as 'Very common'.

FAQs

How is the word "kinky" typically used in sentences?

The word "kinky" is typically used to describe something unconventional, out of the ordinary, or related to non-normative sexual practices. For instance, one might say "The movie featured a "kinky scene"" or "She had "kinky hair"".

What are some alternatives to the word "kinky"?

Depending on the context, alternatives to "kinky" include "unconventional", "eccentric", "quirky", or "perverted". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Can "kinky" be used to describe something other than sexual preferences?

Yes, "kinky" can also describe something full of kinks or curls, such as ""kinky hair"". However, its more common usage relates to unconventional sexual preferences or behavior.

What is the difference between "kinky" and "perverted"?

"Kinky" generally refers to unconventional sexual preferences, while "perverted" often implies a stronger deviation from moral or social norms, suggesting something more disturbing or offensive. "Perverted" carries a more negative connotation than "kinky".

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Source & Trust

83%

Authority and reliability

4.5/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Most frequent sentences: