Where did the wink orginate from?

Question

Why do wink on eye at each other? Like when something a secret or inside joke or as a sexual reference? Where did it come from? Is it the same in all cultures? Please add any info you have thanks!

Answer 1

just quoting...

"This “inside joke” meaning is part of the European culture, in fact, I think it is of Northern European origin. And you’ll never guess why.

But I wanted to make sure, so I sent out an email to every non-American and non-European I know, and actually I was surprised at how many I knew. Granted, my ad hoc attempt was anything but empirical, and so I submit my hypothesis to you, gentle reader, to see what insight you may have on the origins of the wink.

The reason why I think it is a European tradition is because I think the wink was associated with the Germanic/Nordic god, Odin. He was a wizard and the original model for Gandalf. He was mysterious, unpredictable and misunderstood. He had a humorous side, but his humor matched his personality, as it was often subtle, ironic, and well… misunderstood.

Odin also only had one eye.

So I’m thinking that whenever someone is trying to convey Odin’s kind of humor, they could simply close one eye to convey that meaning, and subtly pass on this message. So there’s my hypothesis, and my initial polling hints that I may be onto something. Of course, if this meaning associated with a wink is a thousand or so years old, then you’d expect it to have branched out of its homeland, but maybe not cover the globe.

This meaning has completely covered Europe (and obviously America) and has pushed into the Arabic world. However, it is foreign in Japan and East Asia. Where this border is drawn is something I’ll probably never know, but if you have something to add, please drop me a line."

http://www.howardism.org/thoughts/001450.html

Answer 2

it's a sign of assurance. Not sure of the origin but common body language as closing both eyes speaks volumes.
Heres a take on the same idea;
A nod's as good as a wink. (British & Australian, humorous)

something that you say when you have understood what was meant by something although it was not expressed in a direct way. I know when I'm not wanted, so don't try to say anything more - a nod's as good as a wink.

Answer 3

I know this much. King Solomon warns us that we should not trust people who wink because they just had an evil thought. King solomon was around long before christ. He wrote the book of proverbs.

Answer 4

i think ur eye is where it starts.

Answer 5

from heart.