Stinker: meaning, definitions and examples
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stinker
[ˈstɪŋkər ]
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.
|
| 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.
|
| 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.
|
| 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.
|
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.
Interesting Facts
Etymology
- 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.
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.
Translations
Translations of the word "stinker" in other languages:
🇵🇹 fedorento
🇮🇳 बदबूदार व्यक्ति
🇩🇪 Stinker
🇮🇩 bau busuk
🇺🇦 смердючка
🇵🇱 śmierdziel
🇯🇵 悪臭を放つ人
🇫🇷 puant
🇪🇸 apestoso
🇹🇷 pis kokulu kişi
🇰🇷 악취가 나는 사람
🇸🇦 شخص ذو رائحة كريهة
🇨🇿 smraďoch
🇸🇰 smraďoch
🇨🇳 臭人
🇸🇮 smrdec
🇮🇸 fýlupúki
🇰🇿 сасық адам
🇬🇪 ყარს
🇦🇿 pis qoxulu şəxs
🇲🇽 apestoso