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Stink Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐Ÿคข
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stink

[stษชล‹k ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

bad smell

To emit a strong and unpleasant odor. It is often used to describe something that smells extremely bad.

Synonyms

foul odor, reek, smell bad.

Examples of usage

  • The garbage can stinks.
  • His feet stink after a long day at work.
Context #2 | Noun

bad smell

A strong and unpleasant odor.

Synonyms

foul odor, reek, stench.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
stink

Used in casual, everyday conversation to describe an unpleasant smell.

  • The garbage really started to stink after a few days
foul odor

Used in more formal settings, often to describe unpleasant and strong smells that need to be addressed or are out of the ordinary.

  • There was a foul odor coming from the basement
stench

Used when the smell is extremely unpleasant and overpowering. It often carries a negative connotation.

  • The stench of rotten food was unbearable
reek

Used for very strong and pervasive smells, often with a slightly negative or intense connotation.

  • His clothes reek of cigarette smoke

Examples of usage

  • There is a stink coming from the bathroom.
  • The room was filled with a terrible stink.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Science

  • Stink is often caused by bacteria breaking down organic matter, which releases gases like hydrogen sulfide, known for its egg-like smell.
  • Some plants, like the corpse flower, purposely give off a strong odor to attract pollinators, mimicking the smell of decaying flesh.
  • Humans can detect even the faintest hints of certain bad smells due to evolutionary traits that help us avoid danger, like spoiled food.

Pop Culture

  • In cartoons, characters often react dramatically to bad smells with exaggerated gestures like covering their noses or fainting.
  • The 'stink' in various comedies typically symbolizes something wrong, often used to drive home a humorous point about cleanliness or bad habits.
  • Songs and phrases in pop culture, such as 'stink-like-a-skunk,' have popularized the concept of bad smells in a fun way.

Psychology

  • Smells can evoke memories; unpleasant smells might trigger negative memories more strongly than pleasant ones due to their emotional impact.
  • Some studies suggest that bad odors can affect mood, causing feelings of disgust or discomfort, which may influence social interactions.
  • People often associate certain smells with past experiences, leading to psychological responses that can affect their choices and behaviors.

Literature

  • In literature, 'stink' is frequently employed as a metaphor for moral decay or corruption, enhancing themes of degradation.
  • Authors use vivid descriptions of smells to create a more immersive experience, allowing readers to 'feel' the environment vividly.
  • Classic fables often teach lessons about cleanliness versus dirtiness, where bad smells serve as symbolic warnings.

Origin of 'stink'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'stink' comes from the Old English 'stincan,' which means to emit odor.
  • It has roots in many languages, like the German 'stinken' and the Dutch 'stinken,' both meaning to smell bad.
  • The word has been used in English since the 12th century, showing its long-standing connection with unpleasant odors.

The word 'stink' originated from the Old English word 'stincan', which meant to emit a strong odor. Over time, the word evolved to its current form, retaining its original meaning of a foul smell. The use of 'stink' to describe bad odors has been common in the English language for centuries, reflecting the universal experience of unpleasant smells.

See also: stinker, stinky.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #19,671, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.