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Smelly Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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smelly

[ˈsmɛli ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

describing an unpleasant odor

Having a strong or unpleasant smell.

Synonyms

foul-smelling, malodorous, stinky.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
smelly

Used in everyday situations to describe something with an unpleasant odor. Suitable for informal conversations and general descriptions.

  • The garbage bin is really smelly; we need to take it out.
  • His shoes are so smelly after the workout.
stinky

An informal and slightly childish way to describe a bad smell. Often used in casual conversation and can have a playful tone.

  • Your socks are so stinky after soccer practice!
  • The fridge is getting stinky; something must have gone bad.
malodorous

Used in more formal or literary contexts to describe something with a very bad smell. Often used in a descriptive and possibly scientific way.

  • The malodorous air around the landfill made it difficult to breathe.
  • The malodorous swamp was avoided by all the townsfolk.
foul-smelling

Used to emphasize a very unpleasant odor. Often found in formal contexts, literature, or to add dramatic effect to a description.

  • The foul-smelling liquid leaked from the chemical plant and caused a panic.
  • The abandoned house had a foul-smelling interior, likely from years of decay.

Examples of usage

  • The garbage can was smelly and needed to be emptied.
  • The socks were so smelly that I had to wash them immediately.
Context #2 | Adjective

describing a situation or place

Giving off a strong or offensive odor.

Synonyms

fetid, odorous, rank.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
smelly

Use 'smelly' in everyday conversation to describe something that has a bad or unpleasant odor. It is informal and commonly used in casual settings.

  • The kitchen is smelly after cooking fish.
  • His shoes are really smelly.
odorous

Use 'odorous' in a neutral to mildly negative context to describe something that has a noticeable smell. The smell could be either pleasant or unpleasant.

  • The odorous flowers filled the room with their scent.
  • Something in the fridge is quite odorous.
rank

Use 'rank' in a context where the smell is extremely offensive or disgusting. This word has a strong negative connotation.

  • The rank smell of garbage filled the alley.
  • His rank breath made it difficult to sit nearby.
fetid

Use 'fetid' in formal or literary contexts to describe a very strong, offensive smell, often associated with decay or rot.

  • The fetid air of the swamp was overwhelming.
  • They had to clean the fetid room after the animal carcass was removed.

Examples of usage

  • The smelly alley behind the restaurant was avoided by pedestrians.
  • The bathroom in the gas station was particularly smelly.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Humans can detect over one trillion different smells, which can trigger powerful memories and emotions.
  • Bad odors are often linked to potential danger, as they can signify spoiled food or toxins.
  • Research shows that people tend to remember smelly experiences better than those without a strong scent.

Pop Culture

  • In cartoons, characters often react dramatically to smelly situations, creating humor by showing exaggerated disgust.
  • The song 'Smelly Cat' from the TV show Friends became an iconic representation of humorous, unpleasant moments.
  • Smelly products have been a topic of various comedic skits and routines, emphasizing the absurdity of bad odors.

Science

  • Different scents are created by various volatile organic compounds (VOCs) released into the air.
  • The nose has specialized receptors that help identify different smells, activating brain areas linked to memory and emotions.
  • Some animals have a much stronger sense of smell than humans, allowing them to detect scents from several miles away.

Literature

  • Writers often use the sense of smell to create vivid imagery and evoke emotions in their narratives.
  • In poetry, a 'smelly' description can symbolize decay or negativity, often setting the tone for a darker theme.
  • Classic novels frequently describe the stench of poverty or urban life to highlight social issues or character conditions.

Origin of 'smelly'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'smelly' comes from the Old English word 'smÄ“ol,' which means 'to smell.'
  • It has been used since the 14th century to describe strong or nasty odors.
  • The suffix '-y' indicates that something has the quality of having a smell.

The word 'smelly' originated from the Middle English word 'smel', meaning to have a particular odor. Over time, the suffix '-y' was added to create the adjective 'smelly'. The concept of smell has always been closely tied to human survival, as our sense of smell helped us detect food, danger, and other important cues in our environment.

See also: smell, smelling.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #24,655, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.