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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
kinky
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE 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
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
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 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
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 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
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
She ends up falling for Beverly, beginning a kinky love affair with him and sharing not only her body but also her drug habit.
Encyclopedias
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
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
His sophisticated work was counterbalanced by kinky bondage-style pants and bra harnesses.
News & Media
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
Dornan has revealed how he researched his role by visiting a sex dungeon to learn about kinky fetishes.
News & Media
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.
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.
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'.
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
perverted
Focuses specifically on deviation from what is considered morally acceptable in sexual behavior.
unconventional
Highlights a departure from accepted norms or standards, applicable beyond just sexual contexts.
eccentric
Suggests odd or unusual behavior, often implying harmless peculiarity.
quirky
Emphasizes a peculiar or unconventional quality that is often seen as charming or interesting.
offbeat
Indicates something out of the ordinary, often in a playful or creative way.
way-out
Implies extreme unconventionality or bizarreness.
freaky
Suggests something strange, abnormal, or unsettling.
perverse
Indicates a deliberate deviation from what is considered normal or acceptable.
abnormal
Describes a deviation from the standard or typical.
idiosyncratic
Refers to a distinctive or peculiar characteristic or habit.
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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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
83%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested