Pronunciation: [skˈɪŋkə] (IPA) 
The word "Skinker" is spelled with a silent "e." Its IPA phonetic transcription is /ˈskɪŋkər/. The "s" is pronounced as /sk/ and the "i" is pronounced as /ɪ/. The "n" is pronounced as /ŋ/ and the next "k" is pronounced as /k/ again. The "e" is the final letter and is not pronounced. "Skinker" is a surname common in some parts of Europe and the United States but also relates to a type of tap on a beer keg.
Skinker is an uncommon term that can refer to different things depending on the context. In a historical context, the term “skinker” was commonly used during medieval times to describe an individual responsible for serving alcoholic beverages, especially wine, in a royal or noble household. The skinker was often a lower-ranking servant assigned to pour and distribute the beverages at banquets, feasts, or other formal events. Their duties also included maintaining the wine cellar, ensuring the proper storage and cleanliness of the vessels. In this sense, a skinker acted as a sommelier or wine steward of the time.
In modern usage, the term “skinker” may also be associated with a neighborhood or locality known as Skinker, such as Skinker-Debaliviere in St. Louis, Missouri. Skinker can also refer to a street, as in Skinker Boulevard. These place names are often derived from historical figures or families associated with the area, and as such, the term "skinker" may have a specific local connotation.
Overall, the term "skinker" has historical roots as a beverage-serving servant and can also refer to specific neighborhoods or thoroughfares in contemporary urban contexts.
The word "Skinker" is derived from the Middle English word "skinkere", which was derived from the Old Norse word "skenkari". Both of these words originally referred to a person who served drinks, specifically someone who poured or served wine or other alcoholic beverages. In medieval times, the skinker was often a household official who was responsible for dispensing drinks to guests. Over time, the term "skinker" narrowed in meaning and began to be associated specifically with someone who served beer or ale. Today, the word is less commonly used and has largely fallen out of use, although it may still be found in some historical contexts.
