Skunking Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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skunking
[ˈskʌŋkɪŋ ]
Definition
informal usage
Skunking refers to a colloquial expression describing the act of outplaying or defeating someone decisively, often in games or sports. The term suggests a scenario where one party performs so well that the opposing party seems clearly inferior. This term can also apply in a more casual sense to mean embarrassing someone or making them feel foolish in a competition.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- The team skunked their rivals in the championship match.
- She skunked him at chess, leaving him without any winning moves.
- They were so confident that they skunked the opposing team in the first half.
Translations
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Origin of 'skunking'
The term 'skunking' is believed to derive from 'skunk', a word that originates from the Algonquian languages of Native Americans, where it referred to the animal known for its foul-smelling spray, which serves as a defense mechanism. The term evolved in the English lexicon to describe situations where someone or something emits a strong smell, especially in reference to an overwhelming performance that leaves competitors reeking of defeat. The language surrounding animal metaphors to convey human performance is common in sport and games, and 'skunk' became particularly popular in gaming contexts, especially within card games. Its usage has expanded over time, reflecting the competitive nature of various activities, both formal and casual.