DINKtionary

Experiences, destinations, hotels, restaurants or venues designed exclusively for adults.

While not created specifically for DINKs, adult-only environments naturally appeal to many people looking for quieter, more relaxed experiences.

A form of Financial Independence, Retire Early (FIRE) where someone has accumulated enough investments to leave full-time employment but chooses to work part-time for enjoyment, purpose or lifestyle.

A combination of business and leisure travel.

Usually describes extending a work trip into a holiday or combining remote working with travel.

A term popularised by marine biologist Dr Wallace J. Nichols describing the calm, restorative mental state experienced when spending time in, on or near water.

Blue Mind has become closely associated with wellbeing, coastal living and slow travel.

Someone who does not have children.

Being child-free describes a personal decision rather than a household type. Many child-free people identify as DINKs, although not every child-free person lives in a DINK household.

A more specific description used by people who intentionally choose not to become parents.

Someone whose life currently doesn’t include children due to circumstances outside their control, but who still identifies with many aspects of the DINK lifestyle.

Someone who does not have children.

Unlike child-free, the term often describes circumstance rather than intention. dinkfolk recognises both experiences equally.

A FIRE strategy where investments have reached a level that should continue growing towards retirement without requiring further significant contributions.

This often allows people to reduce working hours or pursue more fulfilling work.

Someone who works remotely while travelling between locations rather than living permanently in one place.

Dual Income, No Kids.

Traditionally describes two adults living together, both earning an income and without children. Today, the term often represents a broader lifestyle built around freedom, flexibility and intentional living.

Dual Income, No Kids, With A Dog.

Perhaps the best-known DINK variation. Dogs are often central to travel plans, homes and daily life.

Dual Income, No Kids, With One Cat. The feline equivalent of DINKWAD.

Dual Income, No Kids, With Cats. Used for households with multiple cats.

Dual Income, No Kids Yet.

Describes couples who currently have no children but expect to become parents in the future.

A parent whose children have grown up and left home.

Although not technically DINKs, many empty nesters rediscover freedoms and priorities that closely resemble DINK living.

The process of deciding how wealth, assets and personal wishes will be managed during life and after death.

Increasingly important for DINK households without direct heirs.

The idea that people increasingly spend money on experiences rather than possessions.

Travel, dining, events and hobbies are all examples.

A version of FIRE focused on achieving financial independence while maintaining a higher standard of living.

Luxury travel, premium experiences and financial comfort remain part of retirement.

Having sufficient wealth that employment becomes optional rather than essential. Choice becomes the goal.

Financial Independence, Retire Early.

A movement centred on investing, saving and building wealth to create greater choice over work and life. Many DINK households naturally align with FIRE because of greater disposable income.

Designing work, home and lifestyle around freedom rather than convention. Increasingly common among DINK households.

A financial cushion that allows someone to leave a job, relationship or situation without immediate financial pressure. Freedom through financial resilience.

Living somewhere with a lower cost of living while earning income from a higher-paying location.

Often used by remote workers and digital nomads.

High Earner, Not Rich Yet.

Someone earning a high income but still building long-term wealth.

Living Apart Together. A committed couple who choose not to share a home.

A minimalist approach to Financial Independence, Retire Early. Focused on lower living costs and simpler lifestyles.

Planning the impact you want your life and wealth to have beyond your lifetime.

For many DINKs, legacy extends beyond children to charities, communities, projects or causes.

The intentional creation of a life around personal priorities rather than social expectations. One of the defining principles behind many DINK lifestyles.

A home requiring minimal maintenance, allowing owners to travel frequently without concern.

Making significant changes to career, lifestyle, relationships or purpose during midlife. A recurring theme among many dinkfolk readers.

Multiple Income, No Kids. A household where there are multiple incomes.

The belief that having children is desirable, beneficial or socially important. Natalism can be cultural, political, religious or personal.

No Income, No Kids. Usually used humorously to describe someone between jobs or taking a career break.

One Income, No Kids. A household where only one partner currently earns an income.

A light-hearted term for someone who considers their pets to be family members.

A small secondary home used for work, travel or weekends away.

Building a career from multiple income streams rather than one traditional full-time role. Increasingly popular among entrepreneurs, freelancers and consultants.

The promotion or encouragement of having children through cultural expectations, government policy, religion or social pressure.

Pronatalist assumptions often appear in everyday life, where parenthood is presented as the default life path. One of dinkfolk’s editorial aims is simply to acknowledge that different life paths exist.

An understated approach to spending focused on craftsmanship, quality and longevity rather than status symbols.

An extended break from work to travel, study, volunteer or pursue personal interests.

Adults simultaneously supporting ageing parents while raising dependent children.

Although many DINK households aren’t part of the traditional Sandwich Generation, they may still become primary carers for ageing relatives.

A property owned in addition to a primary residence. Often used for seasonal living, remote working or regular escapes.

Single Income, No Kids. A single adult without children.

Travelling more slowly, staying longer and experiencing destinations more deeply rather than rushing between locations.

Triple Income, No Kids. A less common term describing three income earners sharing one household.

A deliberately compact home designed around simplicity, efficiency and lower maintenance.

A lifestyle centred around travelling, living or working from a converted van or camper.

For some it’s a full-time way of life; for others, weekend freedom.

Working remotely while staying somewhere away from home.

Unlike a holiday, work remains part of the day, but the location changes.

You Only Live Once.

Within the DINK community, it can reflect the idea of intentionally investing in the life you want to live today rather than waiting for a later chapter.