The jackets, which are in fact scarlet, have been said to have derived their 'hunting pink' name from a tailor called Thomas Pink and that 'in the pink' refers to both the jackets and to the healthy, energetic approach to the pastime that many hunters adopt. The association of the phrase 'in the pink' with the so-called pink jackets worn by the UK fox-hunting aficionados is unproven. "Makers may despatch explosives from the factory in the pink of condition." It isn't until the 20th century that we find the phrase in the 'pink of condition' form that is currently used, in the Kynoch Journal, 1905: It is the very pink of hideousness and squalid misery." "Of all the picturesque abominations in the World, commend me to Fondi. The 'pink of the mode', that is, the acme of excellence of fashion, was a common early usage and continued to be used throughout the 19th century, as here from Thackeray, 1840:ĭickens, in his Letters, 1845, demonstrates the difference from our current usage: "'Tis the Pink of the Mode, to marry at first Sight: - And some, indeed, marry without any Sight at all." The earliest citation I've found for 'in the pink' is from Leigh's Kensington Gardens, 1720: Mercurio: Why, I am the very pinke of curtesie. The earliest example that I can find of pink being used with that meaning is from 1597 Shakespeare's Romeo & Juliet, 1597: The earliest citations of 'in the pink' are from the 16th century and, at that time, the meaning was 'the very pinnacle of something', but not necessarily limited to health. It is tempting but, as it turns out, misguided, to assume an association between 'the pink of condition' and the healthily glowing pink cheeks of new-born babies or energetic sportsmen/sportswomen and the like. We now usually see it with the specific meaning of 'the pink of condition', that is, in the best possible health. The general usage of this phrase has altered somewhat since it first entered the language. What's the origin of the phrase 'In the pink'? In perfect condition, especially of health. Colour What's the meaning of the phrase 'In the pink'?.
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