Pinkie vs. Pinky — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on December 24, 2023
Pinkie and Pinky are both terms used to refer to the smallest finger on the human hand. The difference between them is primarily in spelling preference, with no difference in meaning.
Difference Between Pinkie and Pinky
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Key Differences
Pinkie and Pinky are two variants of the same word, which refers to the smallest finger on the human hand. The variation in spelling does not signify any difference in definition or usage.
The term Pinkie is more commonly used in British English, while Pinky tends to be the preferred spelling in American English. Both terms are understood and accepted in English-speaking countries.
Both Pinkie and Pinky are colloquial terms, often used in informal conversation. They are not typically used in formal medical terminology, where the term 'little finger' or 'fifth digit' might be used.
In literature and colloquial speech, both Pinkie and Pinky are used interchangeably, with the choice of spelling depending largely on the regional or individual preference of the speaker or writer.
In summary, Pinkie and Pinky are essentially the same term with identical meanings, differing only in spelling based on regional preferences.
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Comparison Chart
Meaning
The smallest finger on the human hand
The smallest finger on the human hand
Spelling Preference
More common in British English
More common in American English
Usage
Informal, colloquial term
Informal, colloquial term
Formal Alternative
Little finger or fifth digit
Little finger or fifth digit
Regional Variance
No regional variance in meaning
No regional variance in meaning
Compare with Definitions
Pinkie
The smallest finger of the hand.
He wore a ring on his pinkie.
Pinky
The smallest finger on the hand.
He hurt his pinky while closing the door.
Pinkie
Often used in a colloquial context.
She painted her pinkie nail a different color.
Pinky
Refers to the little finger.
The ring was too big for her pinky.
Pinkie
British English spelling preference.
His pinkie was injured during the game.
Pinky
Used in casual speech.
He made a pinky promise with his friend.
Pinkie
Informal term for the little finger.
She raised her pinkie while drinking tea.
Pinky
American English spelling preference.
Her pinky finger is the most delicate.
Pinkie
Used in various cultural expressions.
He promised to cross his heart and hope to die, sticking a needle in his pinkie eye.
Pinky
Common in cultural idioms.
They linked pinkies as a sign of friendship.
Pinkie
The little finger
You're skinnier than my pinky finger!
Bring the thumb and pinkie up until they are upright
Pinky
Partly pink or with a pink tinge
Right now, the cliffs are bathed in pinky-orange light
Pinkie
A term used by black people for a white person.
Pinky
Variant spelling of pinkie (sense 1)
Pinkie
The maggot of the greenbottle fly, used as fishing bait.
Pinky
The little finger.
Pinkie
Cheap or home-made wine.
Pinky
A small sailing vessel with a sharply narrowed stern and an overhanging transom.
Pinkie
The little finger.
Pinky
Pinkish.
Pinkie
A small sailing vessel with a sharply narrowed stern and an overhanging transom.
Pinky
Winking
Pinkie
(informal) A little finger, the finger furthest on a hand from the thumb.
Pinky
Methylated spirits mixed with red wine or Condy's crystals.
Pinkie
A little toe, the toe furthest on a foot from the big toe.
Pinky
A baby mouse, especially when used as food for a snake, etc.
Pinkie
A bilby.
Pinky
A white person.
Pinkie
The finger farthest from the thumb
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
The finger farthest from the thumb
Common Curiosities
Is pinkie used more in the UK?
Yes, "pinkie" is the preferred spelling in British English.
Is pinky a medical term?
No, it's a colloquial term; medically, it's referred to as the little finger or fifth digit.
Are pinkie and pinky interchangeable?
Yes, they are used interchangeably with only spelling differences.
Can pinkie refer to anything other than a finger?
Typically no, it primarily refers to the smallest finger.
Does pinky have any cultural significance?
Yes, in terms of gestures like the 'pinky promise.'
Do pinkie and pinky have different pronunciations?
No, they are pronounced the same way.
Are there any idioms using pinkie or pinky?
Yes, like "pinky swear" or "pinky promise."
Can pinkie or pinky be plural?
Yes, as in "pinkies" or "pinkys."
Are there variations of pinkie/pinky in other languages?
Many languages have their own term for the little finger.
Can pinky be used in formal writing?
It's more common in informal contexts; "little finger" is preferred formally.
Is pinkie or pinky used in children's language?
Yes, often in nursery rhymes and children's language.
Is there a difference in usage in different English-speaking countries?
Only in spelling preference; usage is the same.
Can pinkie/pinky be used metaphorically?
Rarely; it's typically used in a literal sense.
Is pinkie ever spelled with a capital P?
Only when used as a proper noun, like a nickname.
Do pinkie and pinky have synonyms?
Yes, like "little finger" or "fifth digit."
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
