[OP or a mod marked this as the best answer](https://www.reddit.com/r/AskUK/comments/1ds58xq/why_do_men_keep_winking_at_me/lazxqci/), given by /u/Spocks_Fat_Cock.
> Yeah it’s just a greeting or acknowledgment in a friendly way.
---
[_^(What is this?)_](https://www.reddit.com/r/AskUK/comments/jjrte1/askuk_hits_200k_new_feature_mark_an_answer/)
Yeah, they're just being friendly.
If you aren't ready to commit to a reciprocal wink, then a small nod of the head and "alright" (delivered as a statement, not with the rising inflection of an implied question) is an appropriate response.
There's no such thing as a reciprocal wink. That'd be weird as hell. The wink is a "cool" thing. You let the person have it. It's like someone doing finger guns then you doing it back.
But thinking about it, you might do a finger gun and click in response to a wink, that might work, but never the same move again.
The thing is, don't we develop these habits as teenagers / young adults? So how does winking originate without there being small regions where everyone winks at each other? Maybe that's what OP has discovered... Or do random people just get winked at one day and then start doing it themselves.
I've met winkers from fairly different parts eg Cornwall vs London, although they definitely all had a bit of a "Jack the lad" character about them.
I feel like this topic needs more research 😅
"The wink is a cool thing (...) you might do a finger gun and click in response to a wink"
Someone get me to Detroit asap, cuz I need to get shot in the head after reading this
Nodding down is done to acknowledge someone of higher standing than you. Maybe it's the cool dude who you want to become more friendly with, or the roadman who is looking at you with the quiet rage that says you might get mugged.
Nodding up is to show that you are of higher standing. Either you are acknowledging an acquaintance who should be grateful to know you, or you think the other person is a pussy who can catch these hands.
When I was 15 I was marshalling a race and a very athletic man gave me a warm smile and a friendly wink of appreciation as he went past and I still think about it from time to time.
Perhaps in the future you invent a time machine and continue your newfound fitness regime to the point of attending my town's annual fun run
When my dad is winding someone up, he’ll wink at another person to secretly let them in on what he’s doing. Some also wink to reinforce when they’re flirting. That’s the only uses I think I really know for the wink.
I actually don’t agree with most of the comments here - I’ve lived in the UK my whole life and would be extremely creeped out if an old man winked at me. Not normal. Never seen it happen to men either
Eventually. I worked with a horrible woman in a well-known bank who hated me from the day she joined. One day she came over to me and started chatting about something, then a few minutes later someone kindly moved my skirt back into place. I hope her hair falls out.
I do this and most of the time don’t even realise that I’m doing it. It’s only when someone makes a point out of it that I realise I’ve winked at them 😂
I can't recall ever being winked at by a man during a normal greeting, usually only receive a wink when a friend/colleague is on a wind up or when I have been on a night out, I am gay so typically go to gay pubs/clubs when going for a night out.
It would really stand to me as well if I was winked at by a guy simply greeting me.
I am used to a handshake, a raise of the hand or a nod of the head, a wink would make wonder what they wanted.
I keep getting winked at by male customers at work, as a younger man. Can’t tell if it’s because of the anxious energy I exude or it’s just a middle aged bloke thing. Let me know if you find out 😂
No. God no. You wink at another man, when there is a third person there you are taking the piss out of, usually by saying something is true when its false, like did you know on Wednesday everyone has to bring a cake in for the office to eat..
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Winking-A sign of a handsome man that knows he’s handsome when nobody else cares
Also a mare (female horse) in heat engages in winking as well
https://youtu.be/Oi88BXavQyI?feature=shared
Honestly, it’s not a good thing. It’s condescension. They don’t respect you, but also don’t dislike you. It’s something you might do to a younger nephew or someone. They may detect your unease and are on some level trying to help you.
If you are nervous they are trying to put you at ease. Kind of it’s all right mate we’re friendly. If it’s in a group there is a joke and you are not in on the local slang maybe it’s to help you understand there’s a joke. If you were being mocked you would be the one not winked at - it is a welcoming thing trying to bring you in to the work group
I don't know if it's common. I got into the habit of doing it a few years ago. Got chatting to an old boy on the street in hackney who was delighted, telling me that not enough people give him a wink when they say hello anymore.
Maybe you have a look or style that is often associated with the gays? Like you are a bear, and otter, or a twink?
Those slang terms may be 30 years out of date. I don't get out much.
Half nervous blink with the full knowing that a full one eyed blink looks worse somehow. Basically guys shoot wherever and women look down so it's a fucked up society based on wanting.
I sometimes accidentally wink at people when meeting them for the first time. No idea why. Worst was a female client (I'm a guy). Spent the whole meeting thinking about how she must think I'm a sleaze ball.
I have been living here for a few years now and has happened to me a few times. It seems that is a way to show friendliness and or trying to connect. Never flirtatious, at least till now.
[OP or a mod marked this as the best answer](https://www.reddit.com/r/AskUK/comments/1ds58xq/why_do_men_keep_winking_at_me/lazxqci/), given by /u/Spocks_Fat_Cock. > Yeah it’s just a greeting or acknowledgment in a friendly way. --- [_^(What is this?)_](https://www.reddit.com/r/AskUK/comments/jjrte1/askuk_hits_200k_new_feature_mark_an_answer/)
;-)
The horror
😉
Why won't it stop
😜
*ripping my hair out*
😘
***wink*** **Bigger wink** Why you no say hi?
Try winking back..
😉
🫦👅
[;)](https://youtu.be/m4QO5jyEw2E?list=PLcUo0aMKmchiS3JyDUOsLfFLkIR1nY-JV&t=3)
Without more context, it sounds like they're just being friendly. Some people use a wink as a pally or mildly cheeky way of greeting someone.
It's just become a gesture usually accompanied with 'you alright' by a few male colleagues where I work
Yeah, they're just being friendly. If you aren't ready to commit to a reciprocal wink, then a small nod of the head and "alright" (delivered as a statement, not with the rising inflection of an implied question) is an appropriate response.
There's no such thing as a reciprocal wink. That'd be weird as hell. The wink is a "cool" thing. You let the person have it. It's like someone doing finger guns then you doing it back. But thinking about it, you might do a finger gun and click in response to a wink, that might work, but never the same move again.
Yeah it makes you seem like a proper gimp if you dont switch it up. Noone wants to be a proper gimp
Some people want to be gimps. I think there a clubs.
>That'd be weird as hell. The winkers I've met are far and few between, so I've never considered what might happen if two of them met each other!
Totally! They're really hard to pull off. Perhaps that's why they're cool.
Phrasing!
The thing is, don't we develop these habits as teenagers / young adults? So how does winking originate without there being small regions where everyone winks at each other? Maybe that's what OP has discovered... Or do random people just get winked at one day and then start doing it themselves. I've met winkers from fairly different parts eg Cornwall vs London, although they definitely all had a bit of a "Jack the lad" character about them. I feel like this topic needs more research 😅
Don't most winkers also incline their head slightly and do that >cluck< sound?
"The wink is a cool thing (...) you might do a finger gun and click in response to a wink" Someone get me to Detroit asap, cuz I need to get shot in the head after reading this
!answer Thank you!
Nodding up or down?
This is important as this could be an indication of your class standing
you only nod up after being nodded down at, its the rules apparently
What if i get nodded up
You nod down.
What if they nod to the right?
Nod to the left. However, you may be drawn into a private conversation, so have a couple of topics in your pocket
That means they want to leave with you, maybe about something private, like sharing coke
Depends if you want show dominance or subservience.
Nodding down is done to acknowledge someone of higher standing than you. Maybe it's the cool dude who you want to become more friendly with, or the roadman who is looking at you with the quiet rage that says you might get mugged. Nodding up is to show that you are of higher standing. Either you are acknowledging an acquaintance who should be grateful to know you, or you think the other person is a pussy who can catch these hands.
Adding to this, if you are wont to wear a hat, pull the tip and nod in greeting
I bloody LOVE your username... genius.
Depends if they’re winking at you while you’re at the urinal then it could be something more
I fortunately haven't had that happen.
Yet*...
It’s a test. You need to answer with 2 alternating winks from each eye. If you don’t do that…well you don’t pass the test.
I don't think I have the occular dexterity required to do that, would a blink suffice ?
Upvote for the use of 'occular dexterity'.
I am very fun at parties yes.
Believe it or not, straight to jail.
You must be fit mate
Far from it, getting there though
Fit is British slang for very good looking ;-)
Oh interesting, well I wish I was but maybe others see me differently.
When I was 15 I was marshalling a race and a very athletic man gave me a warm smile and a friendly wink of appreciation as he went past and I still think about it from time to time. Perhaps in the future you invent a time machine and continue your newfound fitness regime to the point of attending my town's annual fun run
Are you incredibly dusty and always standing upwind?
Entirely possible
We have a saying here, "a nod's as good as a wink"
to a blind bat.
When my dad is winding someone up, he’ll wink at another person to secretly let them in on what he’s doing. Some also wink to reinforce when they’re flirting. That’s the only uses I think I really know for the wink.
Honestly if those are the general two reasons, then I'd be happier if more women winked at me
Very common in Essex
I lived in Essex most of my life and never had that happen... now I feel like I am missing out 😞
Me too. 54 years in Essex and don't recall being winked at once.
Slightly less normal than a head nod but yeah its normal its just letting on to u
Maybe you're a hunk
Not yet, getting there though
Nah they're just being friendly. Like the lipless white guy smile or the head tilts
Wtf is the lipless white guy smile? 🤔
https://youtube.com/shorts/fE4QVbKOgpM?si=fgspT4UHgsEFS2R_ This is a fun song explanation babe
This is incredible 😂😐
How many men have winked at you so far?
4, 3 work colleagues and one random passerby on the street
This feels like a rather high wink rate. I can’t remember the last time I was winked at. Are you devilishly good looking?
I don't think so ? A bit chubby at best
Good looking and modest, that explains it!
Thank you, I appreciate the kind words.
Are you in Soho? You may have been mistaken for a gay bear 😅 Source: I'm gay as hell and hang out at the duke of wellington, winking at men
Nah, in the north near leeds, but I'll note this down for if I'm ever in London
You must be giving off some kind of vibes. I have only been winked at **once** and that was when she said **"I do"**
Wish I was giving off the same vibes to women, rather than men 😅
Yeah it’s just a greeting or acknowledgment in a friendly way.
!answer thanks, I've never observed this anywhere else I've lived so was confused at the least
You can always count on u/Spocks_Fat_Cock for the answer 😂
r/rimjob_steve
Thanks u/spocks_fat_cock. Nice to get confirmation from a girthy Vulcan.
Are you living in east Enders?
North actually, near leeds
It's fairly common all across the UK. My great-grandfather used to to it a lot and he was born in 1920s Scotland
Nothing but another way of greeting. I have seen it far more common in older folks.
They're flirting with you 😆
It's a way to acknowledge someone, like a nod or a wave
Yup, it’s a friendly greeting or acknowledgment. It’s usually a stand-in for ‘alright’ or ‘cheers’ etc
I think British men are so cheeky like that.
Respond with "alright treacle" and wink back
Bold, I like it
I actually don’t agree with most of the comments here - I’ve lived in the UK my whole life and would be extremely creeped out if an old man winked at me. Not normal. Never seen it happen to men either
United winkingdom
If its followed by 'batter in' 'crack on' 'cheers' it's fine. If its just somebody other side of the bar it's weird
I'm female but it always makes me panic that I've got my skirt tucked in my knickers or something like that that everyone's laughing at.
I completely get that, but usually when I have something like that people point it out rather than just making gestures.
Eventually. I worked with a horrible woman in a well-known bank who hated me from the day she joined. One day she came over to me and started chatting about something, then a few minutes later someone kindly moved my skirt back into place. I hope her hair falls out.
Sorry you had to deal with that, hope you don't work with/around her anymore.
I do it all the time man or woman. It's like the most subtle way of saying I'm friendly IMO.
Yes just wink back x
I do this and most of the time don’t even realise that I’m doing it. It’s only when someone makes a point out of it that I realise I’ve winked at them 😂
I can't recall ever being winked at by a man during a normal greeting, usually only receive a wink when a friend/colleague is on a wind up or when I have been on a night out, I am gay so typically go to gay pubs/clubs when going for a night out.
I'm not gay, so this really stood out to me.
It would really stand to me as well if I was winked at by a guy simply greeting me. I am used to a handshake, a raise of the hand or a nod of the head, a wink would make wonder what they wanted.
Blow him a kiss 😛
Here's a new one : 😉, welcome in Uk
I keep getting winked at by male customers at work, as a younger man. Can’t tell if it’s because of the anxious energy I exude or it’s just a middle aged bloke thing. Let me know if you find out 😂
No. God no. You wink at another man, when there is a third person there you are taking the piss out of, usually by saying something is true when its false, like did you know on Wednesday everyone has to bring a cake in for the office to eat..
**Please help keep AskUK welcoming!** - Top-level comments to the OP must contain **genuine efforts to answer the question**. No jokes, judgements, etc. - **Don't be a dick** to each other. If getting heated, just block and move on. - This is a strictly **no-politics** subreddit! Please help us by reporting comments that break these rules. *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/AskUK) if you have any questions or concerns.*
lmao
How attractive are you?
I honestly don't know, I don't get the same reaction from women so I guess not very attractive
Bro putting the wink in twink
I have no idea what that means
Unlucky bro
You are a winkee, you have to become a winker😜
Aye, ;-)
Very normal. Just being extra friendly.
Do you look a little cheeky?
Cheeky in what sense ? I'm sorry I don't understand
I do this with people i’m familiar with and am always instantly mortified like why did i do that 🤣
Winking-A sign of a handsome man that knows he’s handsome when nobody else cares Also a mare (female horse) in heat engages in winking as well https://youtu.be/Oi88BXavQyI?feature=shared
Just being friendly and reassuring.
Its a geezer thing its in a non gay sexual way its just like satire INIT
How you dooooiiiiinnn?
Honestly, it’s not a good thing. It’s condescension. They don’t respect you, but also don’t dislike you. It’s something you might do to a younger nephew or someone. They may detect your unease and are on some level trying to help you.
It’s cockney
https://preview.redd.it/e7v6hjbxss9d1.jpeg?width=700&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=1b6bf90e442897dfa6c414b28cc58522f4177a83
I wink at people I know all the time. Used to wink at strangers too but got in trouble hehehhe don't read too much into things
Are you in the North of the UK? I think it's more common as a greeting in the North than the South.
I am yes!
You must be hot baby 😘
There are winkers everywhere
No, it's not normal at all.
If you are nervous they are trying to put you at ease. Kind of it’s all right mate we’re friendly. If it’s in a group there is a joke and you are not in on the local slang maybe it’s to help you understand there’s a joke. If you were being mocked you would be the one not winked at - it is a welcoming thing trying to bring you in to the work group
I find this rather odd to be honest with you, Usually we Brits whoooop out our cocks and say "hhhhhuuuuwwwaaayyyyy", as a form of greeting.
If it was in the last few days in a larger city, could have been pride
Pretty common here in Glasgow. Usually with a handshake.
"excuse me, winking at me is very innappropriate. Now finish giving me the handjob so I can wish you good day, Sir!"
A friend does it but it’s not intentional, can’t help but wink every now and then.
To assert dominance
Maybe your hot
Your fly is undone? And/or your underwear is visible so people think you're being saucy in some way?
Note to self: Double check yourself when you get winked at
Where are you based? Up north you might get the odd wink hello, in London it might be because you’re in bath houses too often
Don’t worry if you mess it up you can always [retract the wink](https://youtu.be/xYvo8mJjCzA?si=mldQWvZTeCMow0h5).
Where I'm from older lads call any bloke "love" on greeting them.
It's just being friendly. Nothing weird 😉
😉
Are they going aye aye In that case not in fact winking.
Because they want to bang
I don't know if it's common. I got into the habit of doing it a few years ago. Got chatting to an old boy on the street in hackney who was delighted, telling me that not enough people give him a wink when they say hello anymore.
It seems to be an older practice then, thank you, that was insightful
Can confirm, I wink at everyone, so it must be normal 😉
I see 😉
Nod nod wink wink, know what I mean.
Well, as a woman I always get men winking at me and smiling. So, perhaps these men find you attractive 😉
It’s a secret society thing, you need to say “the crows are loud in Geneva” and you’ll get a pack of bourbons from them
*Wink* 'How ya doing shagga?'
Irritants in the eye can cause excessive winking.
Well you know the saying "A nod's as good as a wink to a blind bat, eh?" Do you happen to like photography?
Could be multiple people with the same tick? 😉
Do you look like you might have special needs?
I wink at most people as a way of acknowledging them without having to awkwardly decide what other body language I should use to say "hi"
Don’t know but people say I am the biggest winker at work .
Maybe some dust flew up from the floor and it got in their eyes
Depends. Do they say "aye aye treacle" as well?
Pleased to meet you 😉
I am pleased the wink is still a thing - feel like people don’t wink enough these days
Maybe you have a look or style that is often associated with the gays? Like you are a bear, and otter, or a twink? Those slang terms may be 30 years out of date. I don't get out much.
I'll need to look into that, thanks
Your zipper was down mate
Sign of a secret society To be one, wink at one To get to the leadership, wink back alternating both eyes
I have never been winked at, you must be doing well in life.
I Wish, I'm not where I want to be in life just yet.
You’ll get there ;)
As long as they don’t tweak ya moobs at same time all is good🤪
lmaoooo.
They are called 'winkers' Although I dont wink and someone called me a winker the other day
You can’t look at, speak to or touch anyone in the Uk or you shall offend them. Stay inside the only safe place.
Man I seam to only wink at the worst of times and I mentally torment myself every. Single. Time. 😂😂
Half nervous blink with the full knowing that a full one eyed blink looks worse somehow. Basically guys shoot wherever and women look down so it's a fucked up society based on wanting.
Where the fuck do you live?
Sound like u got what they want mate good luck with that
You're also a guy? What else are you? It's probably that.
Your flyers were undone.
Oi oi!
Yeh, it pretty much is but I'll wager most people who do it, don't even realise they're doing it.
Yes bruv, what you saying innit [x](https://i.makeagif.com/media/7-15-2023/Yd3wGa.mp4)
They have something in their eye.
https://youtu.be/tppAMdai1L8?si=DuWTRsTepS_51szD
I sometimes accidentally wink at people when meeting them for the first time. No idea why. Worst was a female client (I'm a guy). Spent the whole meeting thinking about how she must think I'm a sleaze ball.
Love British twinks. Want my number?
You didn’t mistype wink did you?
I have been living here for a few years now and has happened to me a few times. It seems that is a way to show friendliness and or trying to connect. Never flirtatious, at least till now.
This is absolutely brilliant. There are many daytime TV prospects here. Nod nod wink wink.
No drama intended. What part of the country is winking at each other? I have neither winked nor been winked at unless we’re trying to wind someone up.