British men wearing pinky rings?

[TimR]

Searching the term "pinky finger" in google news archive seems to indicate it having very little usage until the 1980's since when it's rise has been exponential. However it does crop up early in one or two 1940's American newspapers. I have no doubt it is an imported Americanism in it's current popular form. I cannot imagine my own grown-up children (from England) saying anything other than "little finger", for instance.

Is pinkie popularly used in Scotland? Perhaps the Americans got it from the Canadians, who got it from Scotland originally.

Very little use among American adults until the 1980s.

It was used when I was a small boy in the 60s - and it was part of the language used with small children. It was too cute for adults. Not anymore!

Bruiser's post regarding Scotland suggests the same was true there.

[MonicaMC]

Isn't "pinky" a dreadful Americanism anyhow?

I suppose you're right - I forgot the Dire Straits lyrics:

That ain't workin' that's the way you do it
Money for nothin' and chicks for free
Now that ain't workin' that's the way you do it
Lemme tell ya them guys ain't dumb
Maybe get a blister on your little finger [emphasis mine]
Maybe get a blister on your thumb

And let's not forget a little later:

See the little faggot with the earring and the makeup
Yeah buddy that's his own hair
That little faggot got his own jet airplane
That little faggot he's a millionaire

Yup, the Queen's English is glorious, what?

[Arfur Teacake]

I suppose you're right - I forgot the Dire Straits lyrics:

That ain't workin' that's the way you do it
Money for nothin' and chicks for free
Now that ain't workin' that's the way you do it
Lemme tell ya them guys ain't dumb
Maybe get a blister on your little finger [emphasis mine]
Maybe get a blister on your thumb

And let's not forget a little later:

See the little faggot with the earring and the makeup
Yeah buddy that's his own hair
That little faggot got his own jet airplane
That little faggot he's a millionaire

Yup, the Queen's English is glorious, what?

Yes but that is suppose to be a typical American talking about a typical British rock star

[TimR]

"Sultans of Swing" - a true classic.

I never cared for "Money for Nothing".

They are a British band that succeded in combining British talent with a US sound in some of their songs - intriguing.

[Dandy Forsdyke]

I wear one one left and right.

[bobsterkent]

My Mate wears one but its simply because its his signet ring and he has had it for years and now the little finger is the only one that it will fit on