dinky
word
Definition
Something that is small, cute, or looks a bit cheap or unimpressive. Often used informally to describe objects or places.
Usage & Nuances
'Dinky' is informal, often affectionate or mildly negative—can mean 'cute and small' or 'too small/cheap.' Common with objects, not with people; e.g., 'dinky car,' 'dinky apartment.' Regional: More used in UK and US, rare elsewhere.
Spanish: pequeñito - diminuto - chiquitín (informal)Portuguese (BR): pequenino - minúsculo - mixuruca (informal)Portuguese (PT): pequenino - minúsculo - fraquinho (informal)Chinese (Simplified): 小巧的 - 微不足道的Chinese (Traditional): 小巧的 - 微不足道的Hindi: छोटा और साधारण - मामूलीArabic: صغير جدًا - تافهBengali: ছোট্ট - সাধারণ - সস্তাRussian: маленький - милый - дешевенькийJapanese: ちっちゃい - 安っぽいVietnamese: nhỏ xinh - bé tí - rẻ tiềnKorean: 작고 귀여운 - 초라한 - 조잡한Turkish: küçük ve sevimli - ucuz görünümlüUrdu: چھوٹا سا - معمولی - سستاIndonesian: kecil imut - murahan
Example Sentences
That café was cute but kind of dinky.
natural
Look at this dinky toy car!
basic
We stayed in a dinky hotel by the beach.
basic
His apartment is a bit dinky, but it’s cozy.
basic
My phone looks so dinky next to yours!
natural
She bought a dinky bracelet at the market for just one dollar.
natural