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Pink

We stopped mowing next to our driveway and we keep getting interesting flowers as a result. This pink (or God's flower, dianthus, if you like) is one of them.

Though "pinking shears" is a modern term, the verb "to pink" (to puncture, perforate or make ragged edges) is indeed older than either the adjective or noun referring to the colour pink.

*Maybe* -- only maybe: the OED is very cautious on the point -- maybe the flower pink was named for its petals' ragged edge.

Maybe. But the best etymologisers are not sold on the idea.
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2 comments

Fred Fouarge said:

anjer
3 years ago ( translate )

Justfolk said:

Fred, yes -- these are relatives of the bigger carnations.
3 years ago