# kinky

/ˈkɪŋki/ (US) · /kˈɪŋki/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/kinky
Updated: 2026-08-08

## Senses

### 2. curly or twisted

adjective · CEFR B2

having many tight curls, twists, or bends.

For teachers: characterised by the presence of kinks, coils, or tight twists; often used in reference to hair texture or wire.

- The old garden hose was so kinky that the water couldn't flow through it.
- The technician struggled to straighten the kinky copper wiring that had been improperly stored in the damp basement.

### 3. eccentric

adjective · CEFR C2 · Archaic · Informal

strange, unusual, or slightly crazy in a way that is hard to predict.

For teachers: marked by eccentricity or unconventional behaviour; crotchety or peculiar in nature.

- He had a kinky sense of humor that not everyone in the office understood.
- The professor was known for his kinky habits, such as wearing mismatched shoes and refusing to use a telephone.

Teaching tip: This sense is largely dated; modern speakers almost exclusively use the word to refer to hair texture or sexual preferences.

## Examples

- She has naturally kinky hair that requires special care.
- The novel explores the couple's interest in kinky role-playing to spice up their long-term relationship.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.