The word "winkers" is spelled with the consonant digraph "nk" and the vowel digraph "er." The "w" at the beginning of the word is pronounced like the "w" in "we" or "woman," and the "i" is pronounced like the long "e" sound in "beet" or "wee." The IPA phonetic transcription would be /ˈwɪŋkərz/, with the stress on the first syllable. Winkers are often used on horses to help prevent them from becoming distracted or spooked while riding or racing.
Winkers can have different meanings depending on the context in which it is used.
In the realm of fashion and horse riding, winkers refer to a type of headgear or blinkers used to limit the horse's vision. They are usually made of leather and are designed to cover the sides of the horse's eyes to prevent distractions and keep the horse focused on moving forward. Winkers also act as a safety measure, protecting the horse from potential injuries caused by sudden movements or objects on the road. By blocking the peripheral vision, winkers encourage the horse to concentrate on the path ahead, promoting better control and preventing spooking.
On the other hand, the term "winkers" can also be used in casual conversations to refer to a person's eyelashes. The long and fluttering nature of eyelashes, when someone winks, can catch attention and be associated with the term "winkers."
Additionally, in some contexts, "winkers" can be used metaphorically to refer to individuals who are secretive or mischievous. This metaphorical usage suggests that someone who is described as "winkers" may possess cunning or sly characteristics, often associated with a hidden agenda or secretive behavior.
It is important to note that the term "winkers" can have various meanings, and the appropriate definition varies depending on the specific usage and context.
The word "winkers" is derived from the verb "to wink". The etymology of "wink" can be traced back to the Old English word "wincian", which means "to nod" or "to blink". Over time, "wincian" evolved into "winken" in Middle English. Eventually, "wink" emerged in its current form in modern English, referring to the act of closing one eye momentarily. "Winkers" is the plural form of "winker", which refers to coverings or screens placed alongside the eyes of horses, donkeys, or other domesticated animals to prevent them from being startled or distracted by their peripheral vision.