The phrase "tickle pink" is used to describe a feeling of great joy or satisfaction. It is spelled phonetically as /ˈtɪkəl pɪŋk/. The first syllable, "tickle," is pronounced with a short "i" sound followed by a "k" sound. The second syllable, "pink," is pronounced with a short "i" sound followed by a "ŋk" sound. The spelling "pink" is used to represent the "nk" sound in order to differentiate it from the "ng" sound represented by "king." Together, these sounds form the unique pronunciation of "tickle pink."
The phrase "tickle pink" is an idiomatic expression that conveys a feeling of great pleasure, delight, or amusement. When someone is "tickled pink," they are extremely pleased or entertained, usually as a result of something unexpected or enjoyable.
The term "tickle pink" originated from the concept of tickling, which is the act of lightly touching someone in a way that causes a tingling sensation or laughter. Tickling is often associated with joy, happiness, and a sense of lightheartedness. The addition of the color "pink" intensifies this feeling by evoking images of warmth, affection, and cheerfulness.
To be "tickled pink" implies an overwhelming sense of happiness or amusement that cannot easily be contained. It suggests a state of being pleasantly surprised or amused by something, whether it be a joke, a surprising event, a kind gesture, or an achievement. This idiom is commonly used to express extreme satisfaction or delight in a particular situation or outcome.
Overall, the expression "tickle pink" encapsulates the delightful and joyous feeling that comes from experiencing something that brings immense pleasure or amusement. It is a colorful and expressive phrase that highlights the exhilaration and contentment one feels when unexpectedly delighted or entertained.
The phrase "tickled pink" originated in the early 20th century. Its etymology is a playful combination of two separate expressions, "tickled" and "pink".
The term "tickled", meaning to be amused or delighted, has been in use since the 16th century, derived from the Middle English word "tikelen". It refers to the sensation of light, tingling touches often associated with laughter or enjoyment.
On the other hand, the word "pink" is related to the color. In Old English, the word "pinca" referred to a plant named Dianthus, commonly known as the pink. The petals of this flower often have a pale reddish color, which later became associated with the hue "pink".
Therefore, the phrase "tickled pink" combines the joyous feeling of being tickled with the color pink, metaphorically suggesting a state of delight or happiness.