Blinky

/ˈblɪŋki/ adjective, noun

Definition

Something that blinks repeatedly; a nickname for something that flashes lights on and off.

Etymology

From 'blink' (to close and open eyes rapidly) + '-y' (adjective suffix). The suffix '-y' turns verbs into adjectives describing something that does that action. 'Blinky' is informal and was popularized in the 20th century.

Kelly Says

Blinky became extra famous as the name of the red ghost in Pac-Man (1980)—millions of kids learned the word from this video game! The 'blink' sound itself is onomatopoeia, imitating the actual sound of eyes closing and opening.

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