Wink - Noted Examples

Noted Examples

• In the famous Monty Python sketch Nudge Nudge, a younger man slyly asks an older gentleman about sex through innuendo, reiterating the phrase "nudge nudge wink wink" after his questions in an attempt to indicate that his innocent-sounding questions are intended to be double entendres, i.e., of a sexual nature.

• In an episode of the television series Seinfeld (The Wink), the character George Costanza has problems when grapefruit pulp gets into his eyes, leading to his involuntary winks getting misinterpreted by others.

• In the television series Arrested Development, Lucille Bluth many times winks at her son, who expresses great discomfort thereafter.

• In the 2004 science fiction movie I, Robot, a robot named Sonny learns to wink, using it as a gesture of trust to Detective Spooner (Will Smith).

• During a Quarter Final match of the 2006 World Cup between England and Portugal, Wayne Rooney was sent off, largely due to an impassioned argument from Cristiano Ronaldo. After Rooney's sending off, Ronaldo was caught on camera winking to the Portuguese bench. This received widespread criticism from the English press, who largely saw it as a sign of conspiracy from the Portuguese player.

• During the 2008 United States vice-presidential debate, Republican candidate Sarah Palin winked at the audience several times. Her behaviour was considered to be highly unusual in the context of a formal political debate and received considerable media attention. While some conservative pundits defended Palin, other individuals were critical of and even offended by her conduct.

• In online dating, a 'wink' is a way of communicating approval of another member (sometimes from a non-member) without sending email. It is used at sites such as Match.com.