pink etymology

Etymology:

The word "pink" comes from the Middle English word "pinke," which in turn derives from the Old English word "pinc," meaning "to prick." This is thought to refer to the color of the flowers of the plant Dianthus plumarius, which were often used to dye cloth.

Meaning:

  • A light reddish-purple color, often associated with flowers, sunsets, and romance.
  • A slight or delicate shade of a color.
  • A small amount or quantity.
  • (Informally) A person of weak or effeminate character.

Origin:

The Old English word "pinc" is believed to be related to the Proto-Germanic word "*pinkan," which also has the meaning of "to prick." This suggests that the color "pink" was originally associated with the act of pricking or puncturing, possibly due to the sharp points on the flowers of Dianthus plumarius.

Over time, the word "pink" evolved in meaning to refer to a specific shade of reddish-purple. By the 16th century, it had become widely used in English to describe this delicate and feminine color.

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