tinker

Citation on splodge (in the sense of gypsy).

Maybe a tinker just tinks.

To me, tinkerer and tinker have different meanings, even when tinker is being used as a noun.

I can see the rule and I also note that English has never shied at having exceptions to rules: that which deters is a deterrent and so on. Tinker sounds fine to me and most dictionaries seem to prefer it to tinkerer. I associate it more with the profession than backyard mechanics, doesn't seem quite the same thing.
This word has a wonderful metallic sound to it.

tinkerer is not just 'probably closer'; it's correct. Use of tinker to denote both the action and its practitioner, on the other hand, is just a recipe for confusion. Someone who bickers is a bickerer, someone who puckers is a puckerer. The rule seems pretty straightforward.

I see nothing wrong the use of tinker as described by WordNet. tinkerer is probably closer, but I'd understand both.

It's never over until Tinkerbell tinks.

I'm not sure about that, but one probably wouldn't want to be a tinker without a tinkerbell around. To stay alert, or something.

Right, WrongNet. I've been having a thlink about tinker, who could conceivably be one who goes to the urinal for a tinkle and then finds himself (the herselfs are seated in Better Realms, surely) afflicted by aridity. Left holding the bag, as it were. Whaddyareckon?

It can't make mistakes. It's a machine, that's not its way. Clearly, you're confusing it with its cousin, WrongNET.

Vot voz VeirdNET tinking ov?

Weirdnet is clearly wrong on this, mixing up the verb tinker and the noun tinkerer, one who enjoys tinkering.

Tinker is also the non-PC term used in Ireland for a member of the travellers, or gypsies.