Kinky: meaning, definitions and examples

Used informally to describe unusual or adventurous sexual preferences, often light-hearted and consensual.

• They have a great relationship and enjoy some kinky activities together.
• She likes to explore kinky new experiences in their love life.

Used in more clinical or specific contexts to describe a sexual fixation on an object, body part, or activity.

• He has fetishistic interests that he is open about with his partner.
• The study focused on fetishistic behaviors in different cultures.

Often implies morally wrong or twisted behavior, and can carry a strong negative judgment.

• The novel explores the darker, more perverse sides of human nature.
• His perverse actions caused great harm to the community.

Carries a strong negative connotation, suggesting behavior that deviates significantly from accepted social norms, often implying moral or ethical judgement.

• His deviant behavior worried his friends and family.
• The report highlighted deviant activities within the organization.

Applied to describe behavior or preferences that are unusual or not typical but without the strong negative judgment. Often used positively to describe creativity or nonconformity.

• They have an unconventional approach to their relationship.
• Her unconventional style makes her stand out.

Similar to the first entry, 'kinky' describes very tight and textured curls. Usage can vary greatly in context, so it's important to be sensitive to how the term might be perceived.

• Her kinky hair needs special moisturizing products to stay healthy and bouncy

Typically used to describe hair with loose to medium spirals or waves. This term is very common and generally neutral, without any negative or positive connotations.

• He has naturally curly hair that looks great even without much styling

Used to describe hair that is tightly wound in a spiral shape. It is often seen in descriptions of hairstyles or hair texture, usually in a neutral or positive manner.

• She styled her coiled hair into an elegant updo for the event

Often refers to hair that is dry, with strands sticking out or curling in a way that creates a fuzzy appearance. 'Frizzy' can have a negative connotation, implying that the hair is difficult to manage.

• The humidity made her hair extremely frizzy and hard to control