dints

dints are small, shallow depressions or scratches typically found on the surface of a material, most commonly on metal, plastic, or glass. They result from mild impact or abrasion that does not penetrate the material’s core structure, often leaving a raised edge around the depression. While a dent usually denotes a more substantial indentation, a dint is usually less than a few millimetres in depth and may be almost invisible without close inspection.

The term is most frequently used in automotive and aviation contexts, where dints can affect the aesthetic appearance or surface integrity of panels, but generally do not compromise safety or performance. In industrial manufacturing, dints are considered a surface defect and may be corrected through processes such as polishing, sanding, or spot repainting. In the consumer electronics sector, dints can appear on devices such as smartphones, tablets, and laptops, where they may signal minor accidental contact.

Etymologically, the word “dint” likely derives from Old English dintian, meaning "to press or squeeze," sharing roots with the Germanic word “tint,” indicating a pounding effect. The plural form “dints” is commonly used when referring to multiple small indentations found in a specific area.

In everyday language, people may mention dints when discussing minor cosmetic damage, such as “the new car came with a few dints on the doors.” In contrast, a “dent” would be noted for deeper impact. Because dints do not usually indicate structural weakness, repair efforts focus mainly on restoring surface smoothness and restoring visual consistency. In most jurisdictions, slight dints are not legally actionable unless they are part of a larger safety-related defect.