slinky etymology

Etymology

The word "slinky" is a portmanteau of the words "spiral" and "linky". It was first used to describe a type of toy that was invented in 1943 by Richard James, an engineer from Philadelphia.

Meaning and Origin

A slinky is a coil of metal wire that can be stretched, twisted, and manipulated into a variety of shapes. The original slinky was made of blue or red carbon steel, and measured 2.5 inches in diameter and 72 inches long.

James's original idea for the slinky was to create a spring that could be used to support heavy objects. However, he soon realized that the spring was also fun to play with, and he began to market it as a toy.

The slinky quickly became a popular toy, and it has remained so for over 75 years. It is now sold in over 100 countries and has been translated into over 20 languages.

The slinky is a classic example of a simple toy that can provide hours of fun. It is a testament to the ingenuity of its inventor and the enduring appeal of play.

slinky relate terms

  • slink

    Etymology The word slink has its origins in the Middle English word slenke meaning

  • sling

    Etymology The word sling has Germanic origins derived from the Old English word slin

  • crispy

    Etymology The word crispy is derived from the Middle English word crispe which in tu

  • stilly

    Etymology The word stilly is derived from the Middle English word stille which in t

  • dusky

    Etymology Middle English duski from Old Norse duskr meaning dark twilight Mean

  • balance

    Etymology Middle English balaunce from Old French balance from Latin bilanx bilance

  • harangue

    Etymology French harangue Late Latin haranga arenga Possibly from a pre Indo Europea

  • blue blood

    Etymology Blue blood is a phrase that originated in the Middle Ages in Spain to describ

  • nerve

    Etymology The word nerve comes from the Latin word nervus which means sinew tendo

  • predicament

    Etymology Late Middle English from Old French prédicament from Late Latin praedicame

  • Atlantic

    Etymology The word Atlantic derives from the Greek mythology character Atlas a Titan w

  • fine

    Etymology The word fine comes from the Latin word finis meaning boundary or end

  • congregation

    Etymology From Middle English congregacioun from Old French congregacion from Late Lat

  • tattoo

    Etymology The word tattoo comes from the Tahitian word tatau which means to strike

  • osmosis

    Etymology Greek ὠσμός ōsmós meaning pushing thrusting impulse Meaning