plinkyint.adj.
/ˈplɪŋki/, U.S. /ˈplɪŋki/ Usually in reduplicative combination with other similar onomatopoeic words, as plink, plonk, plonky, etc., suggesting an alternation of similar sounds.
A. int.
Representing a short, rhythmic, metallic sound. Cf. plinkety int.
ΚΠ
1891 J. G. Bourke On Border with Crook (1971) v. 90 ‘Mas hermosos que el sol en el cielo’, (Plinky-plink; plinky-plink.)
1918 Clearfield (Pa.) Progress 20 Mar. 5/2 All the rest of the fellows sang in a harmonious undertone of minors, ‘plinky-plinky-planky-plunk’ in imitation of banjos.
1993 Financial Times (Nexis) 27 May 21 The saccharine piano score... goes ‘plinky plink plink’.
B. adj.
Of a musical instrument: played in such a way as to produce short, sharp, tinny, or ringing sounds; (of music) characterized by this. Cf. plink v., plinkety adj.
ΘΚΠ
society > leisure > the arts > music > musical instrument > [adjective] > by quality of sound
softa1525
lofty1598
vocal1649
alto1802
contrabass1834
soprano1856
baritone1876
monophonous1878
tinny1904
sopranino1907
plinky1926
the world > physical sensation > hearing and noise > degree, kind, or quality of sound > resonance or sonority > ringing sound > [adjective] > clinking or chinking
clinking1716
chinking1800
plinking1891
plinky1926
1926 H. O. Osgood So this is Jazz ix. 89 The reason for the introduction of the plinky-plank instruments [sc. banjos]..was to put extra life into the rhythm of the popular dance of the year.
1954 Independent Record (Helena, Montana) 4 July 3/3 An old piano, selected for its ‘plinky’ tones, was brought into the bar especially for Siebold.
1969 Times 26 Nov. 9/6 I liked..the chirpy, plinky, old time music hall music written for them.
1975 B. Artis Bluegrass iv. 52 Many Nashville recordings began coming out with the plinky, sparkling sound of the bluegrass banjo.
1990 CU Amiga Apr. 47/1 The sound is confined to a dull, ‘plinky’ tune.
2003 Daily Tel. 29 Sept. i. 19/3 Peculiar couplets..in his resonant, woody voice amid snippets of plinky keyboard and atonal acoustic guitar.
This is a new entry (OED Third Edition, September 2006; most recently modified version published online March 2022).
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int.adj.1891