Pinkie

/ˈpɪŋki/ noun

Definition

The smallest finger on your hand, also called the little finger.

Etymology

From Dutch 'pink' or 'pinck,' meaning the little finger, which came from Middle Dutch. It entered English in the 1600s and became the standard informal word, especially in American English.

Kelly Says

Different languages call the pinkie different things—in French it's 'auriculaire' (ear-shaped), in Spanish it's 'meñique,' and in English we borrowed the Dutch word! The pinkie promise tradition is universal though, because children everywhere think making a promise with the smallest finger is cute and binding.

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