binky

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See also: Binky

English[edit]

Etymology 1[edit]

  • (US) Commercial child's pacifier brand name. (1948–1977)[1][2]
  • Perhaps a child's pronunciation of blanket.

Pronunciation[edit]

Noun[edit]

binky (plural binkies)

  1. (informal, childish) A stuffed animal, pillow, blanket, or toy that a small child is more attached to than any other, and often sleeps with.
  2. (US, informal, childish) A baby's pacifier.
Translations[edit]

Etymology 2[edit]

This etymology is missing or incomplete. Please add to it, or discuss it at the Etymology scriptorium.
Particularly: “The term appears in reliable sources with the given sense as early as 1981, more than a decade prior to the supposed date it was coined.”
  • Onomatopoeic. Coined by either Dana Krempels or her sister in 1994 or 1995 for Ken Albin's "UNOFFICIAL PETBUNNY DICTIONARY", an ethusiast project organized on the PetBunny mailing list.[1]

Pronunciation[edit]

Noun[edit]

binky (plural binkies)

  1. A high hop that a rabbit may perform when happy, usually with a 180° turn while in the air and a bewildered expression upon landing.
    • 1996, amy, “Re: What is a rabbitat?”, in alt.pets.rabbits[3] (Usenet):
      He can have his litterbox, his carpet, his toys, and space to do a little binky in there even.
    • 2003, Susan E. Davis, Margo DeMello, Stories Rabbits Tell: A Natural and Cultural History of a Misunderstood Creature, Lantern Books,, →ISBN:
      page 81: As he got to know Susan (and her food), he sometimes raced around on the grass when he saw her arrive, or leapt into the air, kicking his hind feet above him, then shaking his head goofily after he landed. This is the “shimmy” that Southern noticed, or the “frisk” that Lockley described. Among domestic rabbits, it’s referred to as a “bunny dance” by some and a “binky” by others. It looks sort of like an epileptic fit—but it’s an unmistakable gesture of joy.
      page 94: [] a rabbit in a cage by himself doesn’t play much. He may flop on his side when he feels relaxed. He may run in circles when he’s excited—if the cage is large enough. He may even pop a binky if the cage is high enough.
    • 2009, Trina Wiebe, Rabbits Don't Do Homework, Lobster Press,, →ISBN:
      page 41: “It’s called a ‘binky’,” said Crystal. “It’s a rabbit happy-dance.”
      page 65: Binky did one of his famous binkies. He darted down the length of the run, then hopped and twisted []
Translations[edit]

Verb[edit]

binky (third-person singular simple present binkies, present participle binkying, simple past and past participle binkied)

  1. (intransitive, rabbit behavior) To perform a high hop, as when happy.
    • 2003, Susan E. Davis, Margo DeMello, Stories rabbits tell, page 347:
      [] there are photos of rabbits in gardens, on desks and in laps: with dogs, with hamsters and with Santa: and yawning, snoozing, flopping, binkying and eating.

References[edit]

  1. 1.0 1.1 Hugo (2011 October 20) “Etymology of 'binky'”, in English Language & Usage StackExchange[1]
  2. ^ “Binky® pacifiers, Playtex® Binky®”, in playtexbaby.com: Baby Bottles, Pacifiers, Breastfeeding, Diaper Genie® Disposal System, Cups, Plates, Bowls, Infant Feeding Spoons[2], 2010 September 25, archived from the original on 2012 February 8