kinked
|kinked|
/kɪŋk/
(kink)
twist or flaw
Etymology
'kink' originates from dialectal and northern English usage (Scots and northern English dialects), probably related to Low German or Middle Dutch forms meaning 'a twist' or 'bend'.
'kink' appears in regional English dialects meaning 'to twist' or 'a twist' and by the 18th century was used in broader English to denote a curl, twist, or abrupt bend; from this noun/verb the adjective 'kinked' developed as the past/participle form.
Initially, it referred specifically to a physical twist or curl (in rope, hair, etc.), but over time it broadened to figurative senses such as a small defect or problem and specialized senses in different contexts.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Verb 1
past tense or past participle form of 'kink' — to cause something to have a kink (to bend or crimp) or to become kinked.
He kinked the metal tube while trying to bend it.
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Adjective 1
bent, twisted, or having a tight curve or bend (often used of rope, hose, wire, hair, etc.).
The garden hose was kinked, so no water came out.
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Adjective 2
figuratively, having a small defect, snag, or malfunction (often used in plural as 'kinks' but 'kinked' describes something affected by such a problem).
The new process was a bit kinked at first, but we fixed the issues after testing.
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Last updated: 2025/09/04 14:57