Word
kinky
US/ˈkɪŋki/
UK/kˈɪŋki/
Definitions
01sexual preferences
B2 · Upper Intermediate Informal
adj. involving unusual or unconventional sexual interests and activities.
adj. relating to or involving unconventional sexual preferences or practices, such as BDSM or fetishes. Informal in register and often used to describe behavior that deviates from traditional norms.
“They decided to try some kinky new things in the bedroom to keep their relationship exciting.”
“The novel explores the protagonist's journey into the city's kinky underground scene, detailing various subcultures and their specific social codes.”
Usage
In modern dating contexts, 'vanilla' is the standard antonym for this sense.
Teaching tip
This is the most common way the word is used today. While informal, it is not necessarily an insult, though it remains a sensitive topic for many speakers.
Synonyms
Antonyms
02curly or twisted
B2 · Upper Intermediate
adj. having many tight curls, twists, or loops.
adj. characterized by kinks, tight curls, or sharp twists. Often used to describe hair textures or physical materials like wire and rope.
“She used a special conditioner to help manage her naturally kinky hair.”
“The old copper wiring had become so kinky and tangled that the electrician decided it was easier to replace the entire spool.”
Usage
When describing hair, this is a neutral descriptive term for specific textures.
Teaching tip
Be aware that because of the sexual meaning of the word, some speakers might feel self-conscious using this to describe hair, even though it is technically correct.
03strange or eccentric
C1 · Advanced Informal · Archaic
adj. behaving in a strange or unusual way.
adj. marked by eccentricity or peculiar behavior. This sense is increasingly rare in modern English, having been largely replaced by the sexual sense.
“The old man had some kinky ideas about how to predict the weather using spoons.”
“His kinky approach to office management involved several eccentric rituals that confused the new employees.”
Teaching tip
This sense is mostly found in older literature. Modern learners should avoid using it this way to prevent being misunderstood as referring to sex.
Real-World Examples
“The bird, affectionately nicknamed Kinky because of the kink in its broken wing, was nursed back to health by its two, unusually caring parents.” “She says when she told him about her self-harm, he said it was “kinky”.” Etymology
From kink + -y. Compare Spanish canquiñi (“nappy”).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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