Tinkle vs. Winkle — What's the Difference?
By Maham Liaqat & Fiza Rafique — Updated on April 29, 2024
Tinkle typically refers to a light ringing sound or a slang term for urination, while Winkle usually means to extract or pry something out, often used in the context of removing shellfish from their shells.
Difference Between Tinkle and Winkle
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Tinkle can describe a light, clear ringing sound, like that of a small bell, whereas Winkle involves the action of extracting, especially in the context of removing small shellfish from their shells using a pin or similar tool.
In slang, tinkle is often used humorously to refer to urination, especially in children's language, while winkle does not have this connotation and remains more strictly associated with its literal meaning of extraction.
Tinkle is also used metaphorically to describe anything that makes a delicate, high-pitched sound, on the other hand, winkle is rarely used metaphorically and maintains its practical, specific application in contexts like seafood gathering.
The usage of tinkle in literature and daily conversation often carries a light, airy tone, whereas winkle, though less commonly used, is more technical and specific, usually related to culinary practices or marine biology.
Both terms feature in expressions and idioms: tinkle is found in phrases like "don't tinkle the ivories" which means not to play the piano, while winkle is part of the colloquial phrase "winkle out" meaning to extract information or get someone to reveal something reluctantly.
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Comparison Chart
Literal Meaning
Light ringing sound
Extract or pry out
Slang Usage
Refers to urination
Not used in slang
Metaphorical Use
Describes delicate sounds
Rarely used metaphorically
Common Contexts
Sound descriptions, slang
Culinary, marine biology
Tone in Language
Light, humorous
Technical, specific
Compare with Definitions
Tinkle
To make or cause to make a light, clear ringing sound.
He tinkled the spoon against his glass to get everyone's attention.
Winkle
In British slang, to remove or move someone from a particular place or position.
They managed to winkle him out of his comfortable office.
Tinkle
A light, clear ringing sound.
The tinkle of the bell alerted her to the customer's entrance.
Winkle
Figuratively, to draw out information or answers with difficulty.
She finally winkled the truth out of him.
Tinkle
Informal term for urination.
The toddler needed to tinkle before bedtime.
Winkle
To extract or pry something out.
He used a tool to winkle the oysters from their shells.
Tinkle
Used to describe small, delicate sounds made by objects.
The tinkle of glass shards falling to the floor was almost musical.
Winkle
Rarely, as a noun referring to the marine snail itself, often called periwinkle.
The beach was littered with winkles after the storm.
Tinkle
In expressions related to playing the piano lightly or casually.
She spent the afternoon tinkling the ivories.
Winkle
To remove small shellfish from their shells, a common practice in coastal cuisine.
Winkling out the last of the cockles took some time.
Tinkle
Tinkle is an Indian fortnightly magazine for children, published mainly in India. Originally owned by the India Book House, the Tinkle brand was acquired by ACK Media in 2007.
Winkle
A periwinkle.
Tinkle
To make light metallic sounds, as those of a small bell.
Winkle
To pry, extract, or force from a place or position. Often used with out.
Tinkle
(Informal) To urinate.
Winkle
A periwinkle or its shell, of family Littorinidae.
Tinkle
To cause to tinkle.
Winkle
Any one of various marine spiral gastropods, especially, in the United States, either of two species Busycotypus canaliculatus and Busycon carica.
Tinkle
To signal or call by tinkling.
Winkle
Syn of winkle out
Tinkle
A light, clear metallic sound or a sound suggestive of it.
Winkle
Any periwinkle.
Tinkle
An act or instance of tinkling.
Winkle
Small edible marine snail; steamed in wine or baked
Tinkle
(intransitive) To make light metallic sounds, rather like a very small bell.
The glasses tinkled together as they were placed on the table.
Winkle
Edible marine gastropod
Tinkle
(transitive) To cause to tinkle.
Winkle
Emit or reflect light in a flickering manner;
Does a constellation twinkle more brightly than a single star?
Tinkle
(transitive) To indicate, signal, etc. by tinkling.
The butler tinkled dinner.
Winkle
Gleam or glow intermittently;
The lights were flashing
Tinkle
To hear, or resound with, a small, sharp sound.
Winkle
Remove or displace from a position
Tinkle
To urinate.
Tinkle
A light metallic sound, resembling the tinkling of bells or wind chimes.
Tinkle
A telephone call.
Give me a tinkle when you arrive.
Tinkle
An act of urination.
Tinkle
(euphemistic) Urine.
Tinkle
To make, or give forth, small, quick, sharp sounds, as a piece of metal does when struck; to clink.
As sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.
The sprightly horseMoves to the music of his tinkling bells.
Tinkle
To hear, or resound with, a small, sharp sound.
And his ears tinkled, and the color fled.
Tinkle
To cause to clonk, or make small, sharp, quick sounds.
Tinkle
A small, sharp, quick sound, as that made by striking metal.
Tinkle
A light clear metallic sound as of a small bell
Tinkle
Make or emit a high sound;
Tinkling bells
Common Curiosities
What type of tool is used for winkling?
A small hook or pin is typically used.
Is "tinkle" ever used in a technical context?
No, it's usually used in informal contexts or to describe sounds.
Are there specific settings where "tinkle" might be inappropriate to use?
In formal settings, referring to urination as "tinkle" might be considered too casual.
Can "winkle" be used in contexts other than extracting shellfish?
Yes, it can also mean to pry information from someone.
hat does "tinkle" commonly refer to in everyday language?
It typically refers to a light ringing sound or slang for urination.
What is the origin of the word "tinkle"?
It comes from Middle English, possibly imitative of a light ringing sound.
Is "winkle" a commonly used verb in English?
It's less common and more often used in specific regions or contexts.
Can "winkle" have a metaphorical meaning in literary contexts?
Yes, it can metaphorically refer to extracting hard-to-get information.
How do children typically learn the slang meaning of "tinkle"?
Through casual or familial language during early childhood.
What is the origin of the word "winkle"?
Derived from the Dutch word "winkelen," meaning to pry out.
Do other languages have equivalent terms for "tinkle" and "winkle"?
Yes, many languages have their own terms for these concepts, often with similar onomatopoeic origins for "tinkle."
How should one properly use a tool to winkle shellfish?
Insert the tool at the hinge or side of the shell and gently pry open.
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Written by
Maham Liaqat
Co-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.
