The word "dinkey" is a noun that refers to a small locomotive, which is a type of train engine. This type of locomotive is usually used to pull small trains or cars, often in places like mines or construction sites.
You would typically use "dinkey" when talking about trains, particularly in contexts where small engines are needed. It is a more informal or less common term, so you might not hear it in everyday conversation.
In more advanced contexts, "dinkey" can also refer to a small, specialized locomotive designed for specific tasks. It highlights the idea of efficiency and suitability for limited space.
While "dinkey" primarily refers to a small locomotive, the word "dinky" can also be used informally to describe something that is small or of little importance.
There are no specific idioms or phrasal verbs associated with "dinkey," but you might hear phrases like "small but mighty," which could describe a dinkey in terms of its efficiency despite its size.