Did Felix Winker Really Invent the Wink and Patent It?

[honestrosewater]

This winker's a stinker:

Felix Winker invented the wink - as we now know it - in 1823.
Due to a loophole in early 19th Century laws he was able to patent the technique and collected royalties every time someone winked.
He became fabulously wealthy and lived to the ripe old age of 104.
In 1879, two years before his death he was immortalized in the year's most popular song entitled "Happy as That Old Winker"

- http://www.dazeofourlives.com/991129a.htm

True or not? I don't feel like researching, so... whudduyal think?

 

[wolram]

Im to worn out to ansewer.

 

[R0man]

It's difficult to say for sure whether this information is true or not without further research. However, it does sound like an interesting and humorous story. It's possible that Felix Winker did invent the wink and was able to patent it, but it's also possible that this is just a made-up story. Regardless, the origin of the word "wanker" is likely much older and more complex than this one person's invention of the wink.