Stinker Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐คข
stinker
[หstษชลkษr ]
Definitions
smelly person
A person or thing that smells very unpleasant.
Synonyms
malodorous individual, smelly person.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| stinker |
Appropriate to use in informal or casual settings when referring humorously or lightly to someone with an unpleasant smell. It can sometimes be slightly pejorative.
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| smelly person |
Chances are higher to use it in everyday conversation or informal writing to straightforwardly describe someone who has a bad odor. It is simple and easily understood by all.
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| malodorous individual |
More formal expression, used in writing or serious conversations to describe someone with a strong, unpleasant smell. It is typically used in a more objective manner.
|
Examples of usage
- He's a real stinker, always leaving his dirty socks everywhere.
- The garbage can is starting to smell like a stinker.
informal
A person who is dishonest or untrustworthy.
Synonyms
dishonest person, untrustworthy individual.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| stinker |
This word is informal and is typically used to refer to someone who is unpleasant or nasty. It can sometimes be used playfully or endearingly among friends.
|
| dishonest person |
This phrase is formal and is used to describe someone who lies or cheats. It is often used in more serious conversations where integrity is in question.
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| untrustworthy individual |
This phrase is formal and emphasizes the inability to rely on a person. It is used in serious contexts, particularly when discussing someone's reliability or integrity.
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Examples of usage
- Watch out for him, he's a real stinker when it comes to keeping promises.
- Don't trust that stinker with your money.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Pop Culture
- In movies and cartoons, characters labeled as 'stinkers' often represent the mischievous or troublesome sidekick.
- The term 'stinker' has appeared in popular songs, often playfully referencing someone who causes trouble or annoys others.
Science
- Certain bacteria produce sulfur compounds that result in smells akin to rotten eggs, similar to what we might call a 'stinker'.
- Some animals, like the skunk, have a specialized gland that releases a stinky secretion as a defense mechanism.
Literature
- In literature, the term is often used metaphorically for a character that creates chaos, such as a 'stinker' who disrupts the peace in a story.
- Authors such as Mark Twain used humor associated with 'stinker' stereotypes to illustrate moral lessons in his works.
Psychology
- Using playful insults like 'stinker' can serve as a comedic way to address conflict without causing serious offense.
- The concept of associating negative behaviors with lighthearted terms helps in reducing tension in social interactions.
Origin of 'stinker'
Main points about word origin
- The term 'stinker' originated from the verb 'stink', which has roots in Old English 'stincan', meaning to emit a strong odor.
- It's often used informally to describe not just bad smells but also troublesome people or things.
- The word became popular in American English in the late 19th century, primarily used in colloquial speech.
The word 'stinker' originated in the late 19th century, derived from the verb 'stink' which means to emit a strong unpleasant smell. Over time, 'stinker' evolved to also describe a person who exhibits unpleasant characteristics, such as being smelly or dishonest.