kinks

Meanings

1. 1nounplural

   Sharp twists or bends in something that should be straight, such as a hose, rope or hair.

   Grammar: Plural of kink: the hose has several kinks.

   Patterns

   • kinks in something
   • get the kinks out of something

   I tried to straighten the kinks in the garden hose.

   The cable had so many kinks that it would not lie flat.

   Her hair has natural kinks that curl when it is damp.

2. 2nounpluralfigurative

   Small problems or faults in a plan, system or process that need to be fixed.

   Grammar: Often used in the phrase 'work out the kinks'.

   Patterns

   • work out the kinks
   • iron out the kinks

   The developers are still working out the kinks in the new app.

   There were a few kinks in the schedule on the first day.

   We need to iron out the kinks before the launch.

3. 3nounpluralinformal

   Unusual personal tastes or habits, especially in a person's private life or preferences.

   Grammar: Often refers to tastes in sex, but can also mean quirks in general.

   Patterns

   • someone's kinks

   Everyone has a few harmless kinks and habits.

   The comedian joked about the kinks of modern dating.

Word forms

Common combinations

work out the kinks

The team spent the weekend working out the kinks.

iron out the kinks

They managed to iron out the kinks in the payment system.

kinks in a hose

Water stopped because of kinks in the hose.

remove the kinks

A hot comb can remove the kinks from hair.

minor kinks

Apart from a few minor kinks, the trial went well.

Synonyms and how they differ

bends

Bends is a general word for curves, whereas kinks are sharp, unwanted twists that block or weaken something.

glitches

Glitches are small faults, mostly in technology, while kinks can also be physical twists or flaws in plans.

snags

Snags are hidden obstacles that catch you out, while kinks are small flaws you expect to smooth away.

quirks

Quirks are harmless oddities in a person or thing, which is closer to the personal sense of kinks.

Opposites

Word family

kink noun

a single sharp twist or flaw

kink verb

to form or cause a sharp twist

kinked adjective

having sharp twists

kinky adjective

tightly curled; also informal for unusual in sexual taste

Commonly confused: kinks or kinds?

Practice

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