Spencer Tracy and Katherine Hepburn movies are known for their lightning-quick back-and-forth dialogue that feels like a boxing match. On the page, it’s important to distinguish who’s throwing each verbal punch.

Gordon and Kanin, the writers, have a cute/subtle on-page tactic here. The lawyer characters, Ned and Amanda, both call each other “Pinky”/”Pinkie.” As Amanda clarifies, “Y” for him. “I-e” for her. This is a subtle way of creating FRICTION when each character speaks and it also helps carry the reader’s eye down the page.

For more on how characters’ opposing viewpoints creates friction and “chemistry,” check this blog post specifically about Adam’s Rib.