DINK
"DINK" is an acronym that stands for "double income, no kids" or "dual income, no kids". It describes a couple without children living together while both partners are receiving an income; because both of their wages are coming into the same household, they are able to live more comfortable economically than couples who live together and spend their money on raising their children. The term was coined at the height of yuppie culture in the 1980s. The Great Recession solidified this social trend, as more couples waited longer to have children or chose not to have children at all.[1]
Variations
"DINKY" means "double income, no kids yet", implying that the couple in question is childless only temporarily and intends to have children later, rather than eschewing having children entirely. The British radio sitcom Double Income, No Kids Yet bore this name.[2]
"GINK" means "green inclinations, no kids", referring to those who choose not to have children for environmental reasons.[3]
"DINKWAD" means "Double income, no kids, with a dog"[4]
"DINKWADACS" means "Double income, no kids, with dogs and cats"[5]
Some marketers have proposed "yappie" ("young affluent parent", adapted from "yuppie") as a term to describe similar couples who do have children.[6]
See also
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- Childlessness
- Doug, a TV series featuring recurring characters Bud and Tippi Dink, their surname being a reference to the acronym
- The Fairly OddParents, a TV series on which the next door neighbor characters 'The Dinklebergs' are also named in reference to the acronym, being a childless couple who can afford many luxuries
- Emerging adulthood
- FIRE movement
- Total fertility rate
- Voluntary childlessness
References
- Wouter van Gils/Gerbert Kraaykamp, The Emergence of Dual-Earner Couples. A Longitudinal Study of the Netherlands, International Sociology, Jg. 23, 2008, p. 345–366.
- "DINKY". Radio Listings Company. Retrieved 7 February 2017.
- Hymas, Lisa (31 March 2010). "Say it loud — I'm childless and I'm proud". Grist. Retrieved 6 June 2017.
- "DINKWAD", The Free Dictionary, retrieved 2020-06-16
- "DINKWAD", The Free Dictionary, retrieved 2020-06-16
- "The Chartered Institute of Marketing". Cim.co.uk. 2011-11-17. Archived from the original on 2011-09-30. Retrieved 2011-12-06.