Pink

Pink is the color of compassion and nurturing. It is a calming color that reduces aggression — the 'Baker-Miller Pink' (a specific shade) has been used in prison holding cells to reduce violent behavior. In Western culture, pink is strongly associated with femininity, though this is a relatively recent cultural convention (before the 1940s, pink was considered a boy's color). In Eastern cultures, pink represents marriage and happiness. Light pink is soothing and gentle, while hot pink is energetic and bold.

Pink is a versatile design color. Soft pink is used in beauty, fashion, and baby product branding. Hot pink is bold and attention-grabbing — used by brands targeting young, energetic demographics. Pink pairs well with gray for a sophisticated, modern palette, with green for a fresh, botanical look, or with navy for a preppy, classic style. Millennial pink (a muted, dusty pink) became a design phenomenon in the 2010s, used extensively in interior design and branding.

The word 'pink' comes from the flower 'pink' (Dianthus), named for its jagged edges (as in 'pinking shears'). Before the 1940s, pink was considered a strong, masculine color — the lighter version of red — while blue was considered delicate and feminine. The shift to pink-for-girls happened gradually through retail marketing. In the 18th century, pink was the favorite color of Madame de Pompadour, mistress of Louis XV, and the Sèvres porcelain factory created a famous 'Rose Pompadour' pink. In Japan, pink (sakura-iro, cherry blossom color) has been celebrated for centuries.