'kink' originates from late 17th-century English, possibly influenced by Scandinavian or Low German dialect words such as a hypothetical 'kinka' meaning 'to bend or twist'.

'kink' appeared in regional English dialects with senses of a twist or jerk and entered wider modern English retaining the basic sense 'twist' or 'bend', later extending metaphorically to mean a minor problem or peculiarity.

Initially it referred primarily to a sudden twist or curl; over time it broadened to include any bend or fold and figuratively a minor defect or snag ('a kink in the plan').