Wink

Wink

A wink is a facial expression made by briefly closing one or both eyes. A wink is a kind of semi-formal communication, which usually indicates shared, unspoken knowledge. It is frequently used to suggest to the receiver that they are receiving special or favoured attention.

A "naughty wink" can silently indicate a shared secret or understanding of such.

Cultural differences

The West

In Western culture, it may be used to communicate sexual intentions, ranging from flirtation to an explicit invitation.

Latin America

In Latin American cultures, winking may also be a romantic or sexual invitation, but may also be used a casual sign of recognition or of acceptance of behavior among friends.cite web
title = Non-verbal communication
url= http://erc.msh.org/mainpage.cfm?file=4.6.0.htm&module=provider&language=English
accessdate = 2008-02-04]

Asia

In many Asian countries, winking may be seen as an offensive gesture. In India, it may be viewed as an insult or an obscene sexual propositionhttp://latimesblogs.latimes.com/alltherage/2008/10/sarah-palins-wi.html] .

Africa

Nigerian adults may wink to signal children to leave the room.

arah Palin

During the 2008 United States vice-presidential debate, Republican candidate Sarah Palin winked at the audience several times. Her behaviour was considered to be highly unusual in the context of a formal political debate and received considerable media attention. While some conservative pundits defended Palin [http://news.aol.com/political-machine/2008/10/04/sarah-palin-wink-wink/] , many commentators and voters were critical of and even offended by her conduct [http://www.huffingtonpost.com/marlene-h-phillips/women-in-arizona-offended_b_131642.html] There was also some suggestion that Palin's gestures may be seen as vulgar in China and India.

Physiological differences

Not all humans are able to wink voluntarily, and some can only wink one (usually the non-dominant) eye. Others are far better at winking one eye and find it awkward to wink the other.

See also

* Body language
* Blink
* Face

References


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Look at other dictionaries:

  • Wink — Wink …   Deutsch Wörterbuch

  • Wink — Datos generales Origen  Japón Estado Disuelto …   Wikipedia Español

  • Wink — steht für: Wink (Software), Software zum Erstellen von Präsentationen und Tutorials Wink (Texas), Ort in den USA Wink ist der Familienname folgender Personen: Christian Wink (auch Winck, 1738–1797), deutscher Maler Friedrich Wink (1843–1905),… …   Deutsch Wikipedia

  • Wink — Wink, v. i. [imp. & p. p. {Winked}; p. pr. & vb. n. {Winking}.] [OE. winken, AS. wincian; akin to D. wenken, G. winken to wink, nod, beckon, OHG. winchan, Sw. vinka, Dan. vinke, AS. wancol wavering, OHG. wanchal wavering, wanch?n to waver, G.… …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • wink — vb Wink, blink both mean to move one s eyelids. Wink usually means to close and open the eyelids rapidly and usually involuntarily {houses so white that it makes one wink to look at them Dickens} or to close one eye part way mischievously or… …   New Dictionary of Synonyms

  • WINK — can refer to these broadcasting stations in Fort Myers, Florida, owned by Fort MyersBroadcasting Company (the McBride family) :* WINK TV channel 11, a television station affiliated with CBS * WINK FM 96.9 * WINK (AM) 1240 (owned by Meridian… …   Wikipedia

  • wink — ► VERB 1) close and open one eye quickly as a signal of affection or greeting or to convey a message. 2) shine or flash intermittently. ► NOUN ▪ an act of winking. ● as easy as winking Cf. ↑as easy as winking ● …   English terms dictionary

  • Wink — Wink, n. 1. The act of closing, or closing and opening, the eyelids quickly; hence, the time necessary for such an act; a moment. [1913 Webster] I have not slept one wink. Shak. [1913 Webster] I could eclipse and cloud them with a wink. Donne.… …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • wink — [wiŋk] vi. [ME winken < OE wincian, akin to Ger winken: see WINCH] 1. to close the eyelids and open them again quickly 2. a) to close one eyelid and open it again quickly, as a signal, etc. b) to be closed and opened in this way: said of the… …   English World dictionary

  • Wink — [vɪŋk] der; (e)s, e; 1 ein Signal, das jemandem durch eine kurze Bewegung des Kopfes, der Augen oder der Hand gegeben wird 2 ≈ Hinweis, Tipp <einen Wink erhalten, bekommen, verstehen> || ID ein Wink des Himmels / Schicksals ein Ereignis im… …   Langenscheidt Großwörterbuch Deutsch als Fremdsprache

  • Wink — Wink, v. t. To cause (the eyes) to wink.[Colloq.] [1913 Webster] …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

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