Stinking Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

Cultural References

• In literature, foul smells often symbolize decay or moral corruption, as seen in various classic novels.
• The phrase 'stinking rich' illustrates how 'stinking' can be used metaphorically to describe someone who has a lot of money, hinting at excess or greed.
• Comedy often plays with smells for humor, showcasing characters reacting dramatically to bad odors.

Science

• Certain bacteria produce sulfur compounds, which are a common cause of foul smells – think rotten eggs.
• Sniffing 'stinking' sources can sometimes trigger aversive reactions, as our brains associate them with potential danger.
• The olfactory system processes these odors quickly, making bad smells one of the quickest ways to evoke unpleasant feelings.

Psychology

• Bad smells can influence mood, with many studies showing that unpleasant odors can lead to increased anxiety and discomfort.
• There's a fascinating link between smell and memory; certain stinky odors can evoke strong memories or feelings from the past.
• People often develop a social stigma around certain smells, leading to discussions about cleanliness and social standards.

Pop Culture

• In movies, the comedic use of 'stinking' can exaggerate reactions, leading to humorous moments when characters encounter bad odors.
• Animated characters often have gag reflexes in response to smells, creating iconic scenes in children's cartoons.
• Songs and jokes often refer to 'stinks' or 'bad smells' as a humorous way to express annoyance or dissatisfaction.

Main points about word origin

• The word comes from Old English 'stincan', which means to emit a smell.
• It has roots in Proto-Germanic and potentially even in Proto-Indo-European, highlighting its ancient usage.
• Over time, the term evolved in different languages yet remained linked to unpleasant odors.

The term 'stinking' derives from the verb 'stink,' which originated from the Old English word 'stincan,' meaning 'to emit a smell.' This word has Germanic roots, with similar forms found in various Germanic languages. Its evolution can be traced back to Proto-Germanic *stinkwōną, which refers to a strong smell, typically an unpleasant one. The adjective form 'stinking' began to be used in the English language around the 14th century to describe things that emit this offensive odor. Over time, 'stinking' became a versatile word, not only used to describe actual smells but also deployed metaphorically to express disapproval or disgust in various contexts, expanding its usage in contemporary language.

Positioned at #20,121, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.

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• 20119 indestructible
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• 20121 stinking
• 20122 fluted
• 20123 compactness
• 20124 gnawing
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