The meaning of ‘DINK,’ ‘SINK’ on TikTok, explained

The terms “DINK” and “SINK” have been circulating on TikTok for quite some time now. What do they mean? 

According to Dano Tingcungco’s report in “24 Oras Weekend,” Sunday, DINK means “dual income, no kids” and refers to couples that have two sources of income and don’t have any children. They are usually focused in their career and prioritize their financial stability before building a family. 

SINK, meanwhile, means “single income, no kids” and refers to a person who has only one income source and no children.

A DINK couple, Dan and Danica, spoke about their decision to not have children yet and enjoy their married life first.

“In this generation siguro nagiging wise lang ngayon ang Millennials or Gen Z, parang if you can plan and prepare, why not?” Dan said. 

Danica and Dan said they are not closing their doors to having a child in the future, making them a DINKY – double income, no kids yet. 

According to the report, the terms DINK and SINK reflect the changing perspectives of Millennials and Gen Z it comes to raising a family.

Data from the Philippine Statistics Authority showed that from January to September 2023, more than 800,000 thousand live births and more than 280,000 marriages were registered in the Philippines. These numbers were significantly lower than the recorded figures for the same period in 2022. 

According to sociologist Ash Presto, these changes are influenced by different factors.

“For example, more accessible reproductive health services, shifting values, shifting traditions, shifting gender rules, and of course, obviously, ‘yung cost of living,” Presto said.

While some people questioned Dan and Danica’s decision to not raise a family yet, the couple firmly stood by their choice.

“Take your time. ‘Wag kayong papressure sa sasabihin ng ibang tao,” Danica said. 

“Hindi ‘yung opinion ng ibang tao yung mangingibabaw sa mga decisions. Lagi n’yong tignan na kayong dalawa ang mangingibabaw sa mga decisions n’yo in life kasi family n’yo ‘yan eh. You’re building your own culture.” Dan added. 

Meanwhile, financial expert Francisco Colayco advised couples to discuss and prepare for the possible long-term impact of their situation.

“They need to determine the absolute amount they need to maintain their lifestyle, and if they plan to have kids in the future, to prepare for it,” he said.

—Jade Veronique Yap/MGP, GMA Integrated News