Little finger

Etymology and Usage

• Derived from the Dutch word 'pink,' meaning little finger.
• Earliest recorded use of the term pinkie is from Scotland in 1808.
• Common in Scottish English, American English, and other Commonwealth countries.
• Also spelled as 'pinky.'
• Used extensively in New Zealand, Canada, and Australia.

Nerves, Muscles, and Gestures

• Little finger is difficult to bend independently due to intertwined nerves.
• Pinky swear or pinky promise is a common gesture among American children.
• Similar gesture seen in China and Korea, known as 'yaksok.'
• Japanese yakuza members may have parts of their little finger removed as a penalty.
• Extending the little finger while drinking from a teacup is generally considered snobbish.

Rings

• Signet ring traditionally worn on the little finger of a gentleman's left hand.
• Signet ring is part of the regalia of European monarchies and the Pope.
• Iron Ring is a symbolic ring worn by Canadian engineers on the little finger.
• Engineers Ring is worn by American engineers on the fifth digit of the working hand.
• Little fingers are the most common location for wearing rings.

Utility and Smartphone Use

• Little finger is often used as support for one-handed typing on smartphones.
• Some users reported dents and pain in the little finger after prolonged smartphone use.
• Referred to as 'iPhone pinky' or 'smartphone pinky.'
• Indentations on the skin disappear after a short while without cell phone use.
• Little finger support can be helpful but may cause discomfort with excessive use.

Related Concepts

• Finger numbering.
• Fifth metacarpal bone, proximal to the little finger.
• Pinky ring, a ring specifically worn on the little finger.
• Red string of fate, a Chinese belief related to the little finger.
• References for further reading and information.

Little finger Data Sources