Winking

A wink is a facial expression made by briefly closing one eye.^[1] A wink is an informal mode of non-verbal communication usually signalling shared hidden knowledge or intent, which may also include, in all contexts, sexual attraction.

General overview and meanings[link]

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Winking^[2] is one of the more subtle gestures, usually involving eye contact between those involved. In most cases it is only meant to be known by the sender and his or her intended receiver(s), but in some cases can be more widely intended.

Single wink[link]

A single wink is usually a friendly gesture implying a degree of solidarity and/or intimacy.

Shared secret knowledge[link]

A typical use of the wink is to quietly send a message that third parties are not aware of. For example, while person A is lying to person B or deliberately teasing him, he might wink at person C as a means of indicating the fact to C and incorporating him in the "conspiracy". Alternatively, if person A is joking or teasing person B in a friendly way, person A may wink directly at person B as a way to suggest to him that his own (A's) words are to be taken as a joke. It is also possible for person A to use winking in order to secretly imply to person B that the words or actions of some third party should not be taken seriously (for example, because the third party is joking or lying).

Approval/comfort[link]

On Air Force One, 22 November 1963, immediately after Lyndon B. Johnson takes the oath of office as President of the United States following the assassination of President John F. Kennedy earlier in the day. Some commentators^[3][4] have interpreted the photo to show Congressman Thomas winking at Johnson

A wink could also be used as a somewhat humorous way to express sympathy, solidarity and encouragement, especially when the winker is trying to put the receiver at ease in a situation where they might feel nervous or uncomfortable. In such cases the meaning of a wink is not unlike that of a "thumbs up".

Sexual/flirting[link]

In some cultures it is often a sexual interest, or flirtatious manner, during momentary eye contact. This is often followed by a smile, and usually a smile from the receiver, if it is accepted/approved, or combined with blushing if they are embarrassed. A smile from the receiver sometimes—but not always—indicates (sexual) interest in the winker.^{[according to whom?]}

Double wink ("wink wink")[link]

Like a single wink but more emphatic, two winks in a row may be used by the sender as a subtle way to imply that something said by the sender, immediately beforehand, was "sneaky", "tricky", "misleading", or "untrue" to the receiver. In English-speaking countries, this has also given rise to the expression of vocally saying "wink wink" while winking, or sometimes while not even winking at all - in this case, the sender is not communicating the "trickiness" of his words to a third party, but to the receiver, and is thus signalling that his words should not be taken literally but as a hint or euphemism.

Both eyes (bat/flutter)[link]

To close and open, or "wink", both eyes is usually an involuntary action known as a "blink". Though if done intentionally, in a particular way (such as once slowly or a few times in a row quickly), while giving a sweet or suggestive look with the eyes, often with the head tilted or at an angle in combination with the shoulders, is known as to "bat an eyelash", "bat/batting eyelashes", or "flutter/fluttering eyelashes". This is most commonly done by girls, as a way of flirting, showing interest, or in an attempt to persuade the receiver.

The "clink"[link]

In addition to the traditional "wink", a "clicking" sound is made with the side of the tongue and gums that sound taach (joining the tongue and upper lip and crossing the air from outside to inside). This is a very advanced winking maneuver^{[citation needed]}, with particular emphasis on timing the "click" with the "wink" at exactly the same time. The "clink" is typically used to signify agreement or satisfaction.

Cultural specific differences[link]

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The West[link]

As explained above, winking in Western culture can be used as a way of letting someone else know that the winker or some other person is joking or lying (e.g., a mother tells her child a story about Santa Claus, and she then winks at the child's older sibling, the sibling thus knows the mother is lying to the younger child). It may also be used to communicate sexual intentions, ranging from flirtation to an explicit invitation.

Latin America[link]

In some Latin American cultures, winking may also be a romantic or sexual invitation.^[5]

Asia[link]

In China and reportedly to some extent in India, winking may be seen as an offensive gesture.^[6]

However, winking in the Indian subcontinent often has similar connotations as in the West. It can be used to signal an "inside" joke, a sly gesture shared between two people privately, unbeknownst to those around them, as in a social gathering. It can also be a naughty "come on" by a girl to a boy or vice versa.

When Frederick Spencer Chapman was training Chinese guerillas in Malaya to shoot rifles, he found that a large proportion of them were unable to close only one eye at a time.^[7]

Africa[link]

West African parents may wink to signal children to leave the room, especially when there is a guest, or another adult coming in. It is considered rude for children to stay in a room where adults or elders want to have a conversation, and so winking is used as a more discreet way to tell the children to leave the room. Parents also try not to embarrass themselves in front of guests, because their children do not understand immediately when it is time to leave the room. ^[5][8]

Noted examples[link]

• 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).^[9]

• 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.^[10] 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.^[11]

• 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,^[12] other individuals were critical of and even offended by her conduct.^[13]

• 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.

Physiological ability[link]

Not all humans are able to wink voluntarily, and some can only wink one (usually the non-dominant)^{[citation needed]} eye. Others are far better at winking one eye and find it awkward to wink the other.

Abnormalities[link]

Some people, especially children and adolescents, show a habit of winking involuntarily under stress, often without their own knowledge. It is considered a symptom of Tourette Syndrome.

See also[link]

• Blink
• Body language
• Face
• List of emoticons

Look up wink in Wiktionary, the free dictionary.

Wikimedia Commons has media related to: Winking

References[link]

This biographical article needs additional citations for verification. Please help by adding reliable sources. Contentious material about living persons that is unsourced or poorly sourced must be removed immediately, especially if potentially libelous or harmful. (May 2009)

Neal McCoy
Neal McCoy with Military Police Security on his 2008 USO tour to the Middle East.
Background information
Birth name	Hubert Neal McGaughey, Jr.
Also known as	Neal McGoy
Born	(1958-07-30) July 30, 1958 (age 53)[1] Jacksonville, Texas, U.S.
Genres	Country
Occupations	Singer
Instruments	Vocals
Years active	1988–present
Labels	16th Avenue, Atlantic, Warner Bros., 903 Music
Associated acts	Barry Beckett, Janie Fricke, Charley Pride, Darryl Worley, Donny Parenteau
Website	www.nealmccoy.com

Hubert Neal McGaughey, Jr. (born July 30, 1958) is an American country music singer of mixed Irish and Filipino descent. Known professionally as Neal McCoy, he has released ten studio albums on various labels, and has released 34 singles to country radio. Although he first charted on Billboard Hot Country Songs in 1988, he did not reach Top 40 for the first time until 1992's "Where Forever Begins", which peaked at #40. McCoy broke through a year later with the back-to-back Number One hits "No Doubt About It" and "Wink" from his platinum-certified album No Doubt About It. Although he hasn't topped the country charts since, his commercial success continued into the late 1990s with two more platinum albums and a gold album, as well as six more Top Ten hits. A seventh Top Ten hit, the #10 "Billy's Got His Beer Goggles On", came in 2005 from his self-released That's Life, also his most recent studio album.

Early life[link]

He was born on July 30, 1958, in Jacksonville, Texas, to a Filipina American mother and Irish-American father. Inspired by the variety of music that his parents listened to, which included country, rock, disco and R&B, McGaughey first sang in his church choir before founding an R&B band.^[1] He later switched his focus to country music, performing in various bars and clubs in Texas. McGaughey, after attending junior college near his hometown, found work selling shoes at a shopping mall. In the early 1980s, he met his wife, Melinda, at the store.

After winning a 1981 talent contest hosted by Janie Fricke, he secured a spot as an opening act for Charley Pride.^[1] It was also at this point that he assumed the stage name Neal McGoy, a phonetic spelling of his last name.

Musical career[link]

Still crediting himself as Neal McGoy, he signed to the independent 16th Avenue Records label in 1988. He released the singles "That's How Much I Love You" and "That's American", and although the former reached #85 on the country charts,^[2] he did not release an album for the label. He continued to tour with Pride until 1990.

1990-2000: Atlantic Records[link]

He then signed to Atlantic Records in 1990, changing his surname to McCoy per the label's request, as fans had already begun to refer to him as McCoy. His debut album, At This Moment, was released that year, with its title track being a cover of the Billy Vera song. The lead-off single "If I Built You a Fire" was a Top 20 country hit in Canada, although none of the three singles (which also included the title track and "This Time I Hurt Her More Than She Loves Me") made Top 40 in the United States. McCoy continued touring and developed a "reputation for exciting, freewheeling live shows."^[1]

A second album for Atlantic, Where Forever Begins, followed in 1992. This album produced his first American Top 40 country hit in its #40-peaking title track,^[2] followed by "There Ain't Nothin' I Don't Like About You" at #57 and finally "Now I Pray for Rain" at #26. The album was also his first entry on Top Country Albums, at #58.

Working with Barry Beckett for the first time, McCoy released No Doubt About It in 1994. The album proved to be a breakout for him, producing two straight Number One country hits in its title track and "Wink", both of which also made minor entries on the Billboard Hot 100. The latter also held the Number One position for four weeks, longer than any other Number One country hit that year. The album also earned a platinum certification from the RIAA and gold certification from the CRIA. Although "Wink" was also his final Number One, "The City Put the Country Back in Me" reached #5.

Mid-Late 1990s[link]

1995 saw the release of his fourth studio album for Atlantic. Titled You Gotta Love That, this album continued his success,^[1] also earning a platinum certification and producing four singles: "For a Change", "They're Playin' Our Song" and the title track (respectively the first, second and fourth singles) all peaked at #3, while "If I Was a Drinkin' Man" reached #16.

McCoy's self-titled fifth studio album began a decline in his chart momentum. Although it was certified gold, Neal McCoy accounted for only one Top Ten hit in the #4 "Then You Can Tell Me Goodbye" (a cover of The Casinos' 1967 doo-wop hit), with its successors — "Going, Going, Gone" and "That Woman of Mine" — both stopping at #35. Also in 1996, he sang guest vocals on the multi-artist charity single "Hope." After "That Woman of Mine", he reached #5 with "The Shake", the only new song on his first Greatest Hits package, which reprised nine of his greatest hits to that point and also earned platinum certification.

Be Good at It, his sixth studio release, followed in 1998. This was his first album since Where Forever Begins not to include a Top Ten hit. The title track, "If You Can't Be Good, Be Good at It", was the highest-peaking single release from it at #22, followed by "Party On", which became his first single since 1992 to miss Top 40 entirely. After it came the #29 "Love Happens Like That." McCoy made a second appearance on a multi-artist charity single that same year, as one of several collaborators on "One Heart at a Time."

In 1999, McCoy released his final album for Atlantic, The Life of the Party.^[1] It only accounted for two singles: the Phil Vassar co-write "I Was" at #37 and "The Girls of Summer" at #42. He, Tracy Byrd and T. Graham Brown, also sang guest vocals on "Now That's Awesome," a musical track set to a Bill Engvall comedy sketch. This single peaked at #59.

2000-2004: Warner Bros. Records and SEA Records[link]

Due to the closure of Atlantic Records' Nashville division in mid-2000, McCoy's next album, 24-7-365, was issued via Warner Bros. Records. It included the singles Forever Works for Me, Every Man for Himself (penned by Mark Elliott) and Beatin' It In, at #38, #37 and #41 respectively. Two years later came the unreleased The Luckiest Man in the World, which accounted for its #46-peaking title track before McCoy exited his label. He signed with a short-lived independent label called SEA Records in 2004,^[3] but did not release anything for the label due to its closure.^[4]

2005-present[link]

In 2005, Neal McCoy founded a vanity label known as 903 Music along with his manager, Karen Kane. His first single for his own label was "Billy's Got His Beer Goggles On", which reached the Top 10 on the Hot Country Songs chart in 2005. The song served as the lead-off to his 2005 album That's Life. McCoy's next single release, "The Last of a Dying Breed", stopped at #36, and "Tail on the Tailgate" failed to chart at all.

Darryl Worley and the Drew Davis Band were eventually signed to 903 as well. Worley released his 2006 album Here and Now on 903 (which included the top 20 hit "I Just Came Back from a War"), while the Drew Davis Band did not release anything. In May 2007, McCoy announced that the label had filed for bankruptcy and closed its doors.^[5][6]

In 2008, Rhino Records issued a compilation album entitled The Very Best of Neal McCoy. This album reprised most of his biggest chart hits to that point, and it included the new recording "Rednecktified", which was released as a single but did not chart. Later that same year, he issued another single, "For the Troops", which also failed to chart.

In 2010 McCoy signed to the Oklahoma City based Tate Music Group and is currently in the studio working on new material.

In April 2011 McCoy signed with the Cleveland based record label Blaster Music.^[7] He released his twelfth album, XII, for the label on March 6, 2012. Blake Shelton and Miranda Lambert co-produced the album with Brent Rowan, and sang backing vocals on its lead-off single "A-OK".

Discography[link]

References[link]

External links[link]

Wikimedia Commons has media related to: Neal McCoy

• Neal McCoy.com

Josh Wink
Josh Wink at work, 13 May 2007.
Background information
Birth name	Joshua Winkelman
Also known as	Accent, The Crusher, Dinky Dog, Size 9, Wink
Born	1970 (age 40/41)
Origin	Philadelphia, United States
Genres	Electronica Acid House Techno
Occupations	Disc Jockey Record producer Label Owner
Years active	1990–present
Labels	Ovum Recordings
Associated acts	E-Culture, Jack Jones, Elite Music Management
Website	Josh Wink.com & Elite Music Management

Josh Wink (born Joshua Winkelman in 1970) is an electronic music DJ, label owner, producer, remixer, and artist. He is a native of Philadelphia, United States. ^[1]A pioneering DJ in the American rave scene during the early 1990s, Wink was the most prominent exponent of the tribal forms of techno and house in the U.S. In 1995, he released several hits, including "Don't Laugh," "I'm Ready" under the name Size 9 (which hit number one on the U.S. Hot Dance Club Play chart) and "Higher State of Consciousness," which topped the dance charts in Europe. He has had many recent club hits such as "How's Your Evening So Far?" (samples Lil Louis's 'French Kiss') and "Superfreak (Freak)" and has also gained a lot of attention for his remixes of FC Kahuna, Paul Oakenfold, Moby, Towa Tei, Ladytron and Depeche Mode, among others.

Early life[link]

As a youth, Wink studied the piano for three years and took clarinet lessons as a teenager. His interest in DJing began as a 13-year-old, when he became apprentice to a friend, a radio station and mobile DJ in Philadelphia. It was at this time that Wink also became a vegetarian, following in the footsteps of his mother and brother. As a teen, he quickly gained familiarity with DJing equipment and taught himself how to mix beats in 1986. By 1988, Wink had met fellow DJ King Britt, and the two began creating original tracks together. The year 1988 was also professionally significant for Wink in that he turned eighteen, and was then able to work as a DJ in nightclubs.

Style[link]

Wink's current style is a mixture of techno, acid, house, drum and bass, and experimental music. In interviews, he has stated that his music is "built around tension",^[2] and that his work is often influenced by "mistake theory, which is: I use a lot of things that you and I might consider mistakes....by (experimenting) with effects, with filters, with percentages in my sampler, and just doing stuff that you wouldn't ordinarily do."^[2]

In 1996, Rolling Stone writer Frank Broughton observed that "a Josh Wink record takes a series of sampled noises, then twists and warps them through a barrage of sound processors, resulting in a spiraling blend of acidic bass lines and trippy break beats."^[3] Another reviewer referred to Wink's Profound Sounds album series as "sensual techno, rendered as a whole composition rather than a collection of individual, flavor-of-the-month tracks."^[4]

Wink has acknowledged the music of Kraftwerk, 1980s synthpop and late 1980s Chicago house music as major influences on his style. He is a strong supporter of new DJing technology, most specifically utilising, demonstrating and advocating the Final Scratch application.

Recordings[link]

Josh Wink at work, 10 February 2006.

In 1990, Wink founded his own successful record label called Ovum Recordings with King Britt. He also has worked with Ursula Rucker and Trent Reznor of Nine Inch Nails. All of the above albums were released on his Ovum imprint with the exception of the first two. Josh Wink has also recorded some releases as Wink, Winc, Winks, Winx, The Crusher, E-Culture, and Size 9. His song "Higher State of Consciousness" is featured on the popular video game Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories.

In 1996 Wink released two albums: A Higher State Of Wink's Work, which is a compilation of Wink's early 12 inch singles, and Left Above the Clouds, under the name Winx. In 1998, he released the Herehear album and the 20 To 20 EP appeared in 2003. In addition to his artist albums, Wink has released many DJ mix albums, three of his most well-known being Volumes 1, 2 and 3 of the Profound Sounds series. Profound Sounds Volume 3 is notable in that it contains Wink's popular remix of the Radiohead song "Everything in Its Right Place", which despite becoming a favorite of DJs as a bootlegged mp3, Wink was able to license exclusively for his album through negotiations with Radiohead, their publisher and management team."^[4]

Josh Wink's fourth studio album entitled When A Banana Was Just A Banana was released in February 2009 on Ovum Recordings, according to Wink, the album covers a spectrum of electronic music that cannot be assigned to one single genre.

In December, 2010, a remix by Josh Wink of On Melancholy Hill by Gorillaz was revealed to those who had completed an internet scavenger hunt.

References[link]

External links[link]

• Josh Wink on discogs.com
• Josh Wink Mixtapes
• Ovum Recordings
• Elite Music Management - Josh Wink's booking agents
• Review of 'When a Banana was Just a Banana' from Culturedeluxe
• Josh Wink live at Space Ibiza (video)