Pinko vs. Pinky — What's the Difference?
By Fiza Rafique & Maham Liaqat — Updated on May 17, 2024
Pinko refers to someone with left-leaning or socialist views, while Pinky typically denotes the smallest finger on the hand.
Difference Between Pinko and Pinky
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Pinko is a colloquial term used to describe individuals with socialist or left-leaning political views. It often carries a derogatory connotation, implying that the person's beliefs are excessively liberal or communist-leaning. Pinky, on the other hand, is a term that refers to the smallest finger on a human hand. This term is purely anatomical and lacks any political or ideological connotations.
While Pinko is used in a socio-political context to label a person based on their beliefs, Pinky is universally recognized and used in everyday language to refer to a part of the body. The former can evoke strong opinions and emotions, whereas the latter is a neutral, descriptive term.
Pinko can sometimes be used in a historical or political discussion to describe someone’s ideological stance. Pinky, by contrast, might be used in contexts such as anatomy, childhood games, or even gestures like the pinky promise.
Comparison Chart
Definition
A person with socialist leanings
The smallest finger on the hand
Context
Political, ideological
Anatomical, everyday use
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Connotation
Often derogatory
Neutral
Origin
Early 20th-century political term
Common language, anatomy
Usage Example
"He's a real pinko, always talking about socialism."
"She wore a ring on her pinky."
Compare with Definitions
Pinko
Informal term for a progressive or liberal individual.
Her pinko ideas were unpopular in the conservative town.
Pinky
The smallest finger on the hand.
He cut his pinky while slicing vegetables.
Pinko
Derogatory term for someone with communist sympathies.
He was called a pinko for advocating government control.
Pinky
Used in the phrase "pinky promise."
They sealed their agreement with a pinky promise.
Pinko
A person with leftist or socialist views.
During the Cold War, many were labeled pinkos for their political beliefs.
Pinky
Refers to a diminutive, often affectionate.
She wore a tiny pinky ring that belonged to her grandmother.
Pinko
Descriptor for someone seen as overly idealistic.
His pinko tendencies made him a target during the Red Scare.
Pinky
Common in children's rhymes and games.
They played a game of pinky swear.
Pinko
Slang for a political radical.
The activists were dismissed as pinkos by their opponents.
Pinky
Partly pink or with a pink tinge
Right now, the cliffs are bathed in pinky-orange light
Pinko
Pinko is a pejorative coined in 1925 in the United States to describe a person regarded as being sympathetic to communism, though not necessarily a Communist Party member. It has since come to be used to describe anyone perceived to have radical leftist or socialist sympathies.The term has its origins in the notion that pink is a lighter shade of red, a color associated with communism.
Pinky
Variant spelling of pinkie (sense 1)
Pinko
A person who holds moderately leftist political views; a pink.
Pinky
The little finger.
Pinko
A socialist, particularly one who is not wholly communist.
Pinky
Variant of pinkie1.
Pinko
Emotionally charged terms used to refer to extreme radicals or revolutionaries
Pinky
Variant of pink3.
Pinky
A small sailing vessel with a sharply narrowed stern and an overhanging transom.
Pinky
Pinkish.
Pinky
Winking
Pinky
Methylated spirits mixed with red wine or Condy's crystals.
Pinky
A baby mouse, especially when used as food for a snake, etc.
Pinky
A white person.
Pinky
The Australasian snapper or pink snapper (Chrysophrys auratus).
Pinky
(historical) A kind of fishing schooner of New England.
Pinky
The smallest finger or toe of a hand or foot.
Pinky
See 1st Pink.
Pinky
The finger farthest from the thumb
Pinky
Part of a gesture to indicate daintiness.
She sipped her tea with her pinky raised.
Common Curiosities
What does 'pinko' mean?
A person with socialist or leftist views, often used derogatorily.
Where did the term 'pinko' originate?
Early 20th century, during anti-communist sentiment periods.
Is 'pinko' always derogatory?
Often, yes, it implies criticism of someone's political beliefs.
Is 'pinky' used in any idioms?
Yes, such as "pinky promise."
Can 'pinky' refer to anything else?
Primarily refers to the small finger, but also used in phrases like "pinky promise."
Does 'pinko' have a positive connotation?
Rarely; it is usually negative.
What role does the pinky finger play?
Essential for hand balance and fine motor skills.
What is a 'pinky'?
The smallest finger on the hand.
Can 'pinky' be affectionate?
Sometimes, like in "pinky ring."
How is 'pinko' used in a sentence?
"He's considered a pinko because of his progressive policies."
Is 'pinky' a formal term?
No, it's a casual, everyday term.
How is 'pinky' used in a sentence?
"She made a pinky promise with her friend."
Can 'pinko' be used in non-political contexts?
No, it is specific to political ideology.
Are there alternative terms for 'pinko'?
Yes, terms like "leftist" or "socialist" can be used, though they are less derogatory.
Why is 'pinko' considered offensive?
It criticizes and diminishes someone's political beliefs.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Maham Liaqat
