adj
hinky
HIHNG-kee
Hinky (adj) means Suspicious or slightly off, as if something isn't right. Example: “The whole deal felt hinky, so we walked away.”
adj
1
Suspicious or slightly off, as if something isn't right.
"The whole deal felt hinky, so we walked away."
"There's something hinky about his story."
How to use hinky
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishInformal word for something that seems shady, off, or suspicious.
When to use it
Informal, mainly American slang, often used in crime fiction and police jargon.
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Word forms
- Comparative
- hinkier, more hinky
- Superlative
- hinkiest, most hinky
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The whole deal felt _____, so we walked away.
Etymology
Origin uncertain; possibly linked to obsolete Scots "hink" or African-American usage "hincty."
Related words
Rhymes for hinky
See all rhymes for hinky →Frequently asked questions
What does “hinky” mean?
The word “hinky” means suspicious or slightly off, as if something isn't right. In plain terms, informal word for something that seems shady, off, or suspicious.
How do you pronounce “hinky”?
“Hinky” is pronounced HIHNG-kee (/ˈhɪŋki/ in IPA).
How do you use “hinky” in a sentence?
Here is “hinky” used in a sentence: “The whole deal felt hinky, so we walked away.”
What part of speech is “hinky”?
“Hinky” is an adjective.
