Tinker Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
🔧
tinker
[ˈtɪŋ.kər ]
Definitions
noun
A person who travels from place to place mending metal utensils.
Synonyms
mender, metalworker, repairman.
Examples of usage
- He worked as a tinker, repairing pots and pans in exchange for food and shelter.
- The tinker went from village to village, fixing household items for the locals.
verb
Attempt to repair or improve something in a casual or desultory way.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| tinker |
When making small adjustments or trying to fix something in a somewhat clumsy or experimental way, especially with mechanical or technical objects.
|
| fiddle |
When making small, aimless adjustments to something, often out of distraction or nervousness.
|
| play |
When engaging in activities for amusement, leisure, or fun. This word is commonly used in the context of games, instruments, or with children.
|
| toy |
When handling something in a casual, sometimes careless manner, often while thinking about something else. It can also imply playing with something not seriously.
|
Examples of usage
- She decided to tinker with the broken radio before calling a professional.
- He liked to tinker with old cars in his spare time, trying to make them run better.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Literature
- In the beloved children's book 'The Wind in the Willows' by Kenneth Grahame, the character Toad is known for his tinkering and adventures.
- The term 'tinkering' is often used in literature to symbolize creativity and problem-solving, such as in various DIY guides and instructional books.
Pop Culture
- In the video game series 'Legend of Zelda', Link often tweaks and repairs items to progress on his quest.
- Movies like 'Toy Story' feature characters who tinker with their surroundings and make the best out of difficult situations.
Technology
- Tinkering is encouraged in STEM education, with kids using kits to build and modify robots, fostering creativity and critical thinking.
- The maker movement promotes tinkering as a way for people to create and innovate using technology and hands-on skills.
Psychology
- Engaging in tinkering helps improve fine motor skills and cognitive thinking as individuals experiment with different approaches.
- Psychologists see tinkering as a therapeutic activity, enhancing problem-solving skills and encouraging a growth mindset.
Origin of 'tinker'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Old English 'tinca', which means 'to tinkle or to make a ringing sound', often used to refer to metalworking.
- Originally, it referred to people who repaired metal pots and pans, particularly traveling craftsmen in the 16th century.
The word 'tinker' originated from the Middle English 'tinkere', which comes from the Old English 'tincere', meaning 'metal-worker'. Tinkers were traditionally itinerant workers who repaired household goods, especially metal utensils. They played an important role in rural communities, traveling from village to village offering their services. Over time, the term 'tinker' has come to also mean someone who enjoys experimenting or trying to fix things in a makeshift or amateur manner.