pink

color

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Last updated

July 21, 2026

Quick Summary

Pink is a color that falls between bluish-red and red, with medium to high lightness and low to moderate saturation. The name "pink" originally referred to a flower of the genus Dianthus, which has a range of colors from white to deep red. It took about 100 years for the flower's name to be applied to the color.12

Historically, pink has been associated with different meanings. For instance, "baby pink" was once commonly used for boys' clothing, while girls wore blue. Some studies suggest that Baker-Miller pink, a strong medium pink, may have calming effects and suppress aggression or appetite, though these findings require further replication. The psychological perception of color is subjective and can be influenced by culture, age, and mood.345

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Has Pink Always Been a “Girly” Color?
…most likely see them in pink or blue outfits to mark their sex (often conflated with gender identity). Has the U.S. always used colors to signify boys or girls? The short answer is no. Pastel colors for baby clothing—including blue and pink—were introduced in the mid-19th century, and they didn’t…
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…most likely see them in pink or blue outfits to mark their sex (often conflated with gender identity). Has the U.S. always used colors to signify boys or girls? The short answer is no. Pastel colors for baby clothing—including blue and pink—were introduced in the mid-19th century, and they didn’t…
Read More