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

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 notes

In 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.

Word forms

hinkier comparative, more hinky comparative, hinkiest superlative, most hinky superlative

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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."

Rhymes for hinky

inky pinky kinky dinky binky winky slinky stinky blinky

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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.