Etymology: Shortened < either tinker n.¹ or tinkler n.¹ Compare earlier tink v.¹

Etymology: Either (i) a back-formation < tinker n.¹ (compare the discussion of possible etymologies at that entry), or (ii) the reflex of an unattested earlier formation < tin n. + a k -suffix of uncertain origin (see note). Compare tin v. Compare later tinkle v.²A k -suffix forming verbs is found in some other words ultimately of Germanic origin, although these are more commonly formed from adjectives or other verbs. It seems to be used in various ways, including with diminutive and with frequentative force: compare e.g. talk v., firk v., and lurk v. Chronology. If the word was formed directly from tin n. and underlies (earlier) tinker n.¹, it would have been unrecorded for several centuries. However, this is not inconceivable at the period, especially since tinker n.¹ is first attested as an occupational surname, a class of words typically recorded very early. Early use. In quot. c1450 glossing a form of classical Latin crustāre to cover with a crust, in post-classical Latin also to plate with metal (a1109 in a British source, with reference to a precious object: see crust v.). Later use. The later quots. may show a re-formation of the word as a back-formation < tinker n.¹ Quot. 1825 illustrates a common association with tink int. and tink v.² (compare the discussion at tinker n.¹); with this (Scottish) quot. compare further the later, chiefly Scottish tink n.²

Etymology: Imitative (compare tink int.). Compare earlier tinking adj. and tinking n.¹ Compare also earlier tinkle v.¹ and ting v. Compare later tink int. and tink n.¹In general uses perhaps re-formed in the 20th cent., but compare the apparent continuity of the phrase as the fool thinks, so the bell tinks. With later uses compare Dutch tinken (19th cent.) and German regional (Low German: East Friesland) tinken (19th cent. or earlier).

Etymology: Representing a regional or colloquial pronunciation of think v.²In early use often in representations of Irish English speech and of foreign (typically French) accents. In later use often in representations of Caribbean and (in North American use also) African-American speech.

Etymology: < knit v., with the order of the letters reversed, alluding to the fact that this process removes the stitches created in knitting and involves working across the fabric in the opposite direction.

Etymology: Imitative of a sharp, high-pitched ringing sound. Compare earlier tink v.², tinking adj. and tinking n.¹ Compare also ting int. and chink n.³Quot. ?1576 at sense B. illustrates the common association of this noun with tinker n.¹ (compare the discussion at that entry).