Tinkers have usually been regarded as the lowest order of craftsmen, and their occupation has been often pursued, especially by gipsies, as a mere cover for vagabondage. [Century Dictionary, 1891]
In Scotland and the north of Ireland, the ordinary name for a gipsy .... Also, applied to itinerant beggars, tradesmen, and performers generally. [OED, 1989]
作为及物动词“使发出叮当声”的用法出现在16世纪80年代。在中古英语中,还有“耳中有鸣响的感觉”这一表达。作为名词,意指“一连串小的叮当声”,出现于17世纪80年代;到1804年,这个词又被用来表示“发出小叮当声的动作”。短语 give (one) a tinkle on the blower 是20世纪30年代英国的俚语,意为“打电话给某人”。