'DINK' relationship term explained as couple get backlash for telling people the benefits
A couple have been vilified online after revealing they were ‘DINKS’ - but what does the acronym actually mean?
Lilly Anne and her husband Evan recently went viral for posting a video detailing the many perks that allegedly come with their relationship.
In a tongue-in-cheek TikTok clip, the couple claimed they often treat themselves to lavish meals after work and that they never have to beg their parents for moolah.
You can see exactly what the couple think is so great about their lifestyle below:
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In the video, Lilly and Evan declared themselves as 'DINKs' and said that they never scrimp on selecting Costco snacks.
They also claimed to always have disposable cash to spend on themselves, and that attending football matches and regularly playing golf are priorities.
Naturally, the TikTok post from the married couple has caused some controversy, with one fan calling out the pair for ‘hedonism’.
They wrote: “They're in their 20s, time humbles and changes everyone in their hedonism.”
A second said: "Imagine a 2000-year bloodline ending because someone wanted more snacks from Costco.”
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So what exactly is the ‘DINK’ lifestyle that Lilly and Evan are living? And what are the benefits?
DINK is simply an acronym that stands for ‘Dual Income, No Kids’.
A couple can fit the term if both parties earn an income, and neither has children.
These modern households often have disposable income - as referenced by the TikTokers - as they don’t have the added expense that comes with having children.
The moniker can also be given to married couples who are usually expected to have children but would prefer to spend their hard-earned cash on themselves instead.
According to Bustle, the acronym was first popularised in 1987.
At the time, a Los Angeles Times article investigated the term and credited the rise of DINKs as a way for baby boomers to 'beat inflation and income stagnation'.
According to the Office for National Statistics, there was a 3.1 percent decrease in children being born in the UK in 2022, compared to 2021.
And in Australia, a report states that one in four households is already child-free.
So, it seems as if Lilly and Evan aren’t the only Millennial or Generation X couple choosing to go without kids.
While the couple’s life seems pretty cushy, the duo did reveal that are are some negatived to being DINKs in their viral video.
The pair discussed being constantly quizzed about when they plan to begin a family and questioned what they are ‘doing’ with their lives.
On the subject of DINK life, one X (formerly Twitter) user wrote: “This dunking on #DINK trend is really sending me today.
“There are many very personal reasons couples would choose a DINK ****life other than just being able to eat out every day. Just tread tenderly my friends.”
Another commented: “Unconventional take: if you want to be DINKs for a period of time, that’s fine.
“But don’t use it as an excuse to make stupid money decisions. This is a key time to prepare financially for your future. My husband and I were (have been?) DINKs for over 5 years.”
Topics: Sex and Relationships, Parenting, Money, TikTok, Social Media
Ella Scott