Little finger facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Little finger |
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| Human little finger | |
| Latin | digitus minimus manus, digitus quintus manus, digitus V manus |
| Artery | Proper palmar digital arteries, dorsal digital arteries |
| Vein | Palmar digital veins, dorsal digital veins |
| Nerve | Dorsal digital nerves of ulnar nerve |
| Lymph | supratrochlear |
The little finger, also called the pinkie or baby finger, is the smallest finger on your hand. It's the finger farthest from your thumb, right next to your ring finger.
Contents
Where the Name "Pinkie" Comes From
The word "pinkie" comes from the Dutch word pink, which means "little finger." People in Scotland first started using the word "pinkie" around 1808. Today, it's a common word in places like the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.
How Your Pinkie Works
It's pretty hard for most people to bend their little finger all by itself. This is because the nerves that control your little finger are connected to the nerves for your ring finger. Even though it's small, your little finger has nine different muscles that help it move!
Pinkie's Role in Culture
Pinkie Promises and Gestures
You might know about a "pinky swear" or "pinky promise." This is when two people link their little fingers together to show they are making a serious promise. Something similar happens in China and Korea. People link their pinky fingers and then press their thumbs together to make a yaksok, which also means "promise."
In Japan, some members of the yakuza (a type of organized group) have a tradition called yubitsume. This is a way of showing apology or taking responsibility for mistakes.
You might have seen people stick out their little finger when drinking from a teacup. This is actually a common misunderstanding about good manners. Most etiquette guides say you shouldn't do this, as it can look a bit snobby.
Rings on the Pinkie Finger
A signet ring is a special ring often worn on the little finger of a gentleman's left hand. This tradition is still common in places like the United Kingdom, Australia, and many European countries. Signet rings are also part of the special items worn by many European kings and queens, and even the Pope. These rings are almost always worn on the left little finger.
In Canada, many engineers wear a special Iron Ring on the little finger of their dominant hand (the hand they use most). This ring is a symbol of pride and humility for their engineering work. In the United States, engineers who join the Order of the Engineer wear a stainless steel ring on the little finger of their working hand. This ring reminds them of their duties as engineers.
Pinkie for Phone Support
Your little finger can be very helpful when you're using a smartphone with one hand. Many people place their little finger underneath the phone to help hold it up. This lets them use their thumb to type. Some people have reported getting small dents or pain in their little finger from holding their phone this way for a long time. Doctors sometimes call this "iPhone pinky" or "smartphone pinky." Don't worry, these small dents usually disappear on their own after a short break from using the phone.
See also
In Spanish: Meñique de la mano para niños
