pink
A1Pronunciation
UK
- /pˈɪŋk/
US
- /ˈpɪŋk/
Description
- Pale red
- rosy hue
- associated with sweetness & femininity
Pink isn't just a color - it can feel soft, warm, and playful. Think of fluffy cotton candy, delicate cherry blossoms, or the blush on someone's cheeks. It's made by mixing red and white, which turns the strength of red into something gentler. Historically, it was not always seen as a "feminine" color; in the 18th century, men often wore it to show wealth and style. Today, though, it is strongly linked with girls, sweetness, and playfulness. It also appears in common expressions. For example, if someone is "in the pink," they are in very good health.
Pink is a tint of red made by mixing red with white. While it may seem simple, its history and cultural meaning are surprisingly rich. For centuries, it was not strongly tied to one gender. In fact, young boys were often dressed in it because it was seen as a lighter shade of strong red. It was not until the mid-20th century that marketing trends began to link it more closely with femininity, especially through clothing and toys.
Beyond its visual appeal, "pink" can also be used figuratively. To be "in the pink" means to be in very good health, full of life and energy. A "pink slip" is a familiar term for a notice that someone has lost their job. Sometimes, the word has also appeared in politics: "Pinko" was once used for someone thought to have socialist or communist views, though this use is now old-fashioned and often insulting.
The color pink can suggest many feelings, from calm and comfort to playfulness and romance. It is often used in branding to suggest sweetness, youth, and care. From the bright fuchsia of a flamingo to the soft blush of a rose, it continues to shape how people see products, fashion, and mood. So the next time you see pink, remember that it is more than just a color - it is also a cultural symbol with a long and changing story.
Examples
- 1
Clothing color
She wore a pale pink sweater to dinner.
- 2
Room color
The nursery walls are painted soft pink.
- 3
Blushing
His cheeks turned pink when everyone looked at him.
- 4
Product color
I bought the phone case in pink, not blue.
- 5
Sunset colors
The sky was pink and gold just before sunset.
- 6
Happiness idiom
She was tickled pink when her son called from overseas.
Phrase
tickled pink
very pleased
- 7
Job loss
The company handed out pink slips after the factory closed.
Phrase
pink slip
a notice that someone has lost their job
- 8
Consumer pricing
Many brands have been criticized for the pink tax on razors and shampoo.
Meaning
pink tax
extra cost for products marketed to women
Forms and spellings
6 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- pinknounverbadjective
Forms
- pinkspluralnounverbadjective
- pinkercomparativeadjectiveverbnoun
- pinking-ing formverbnounadjective
- pinkedpast tenseverbnounadjective
- pinkestsuperlativeadjectiveverbnoun