Finesentence mobile logo
Sign in Login / Register

Stinky Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐Ÿคข
Add to dictionary

stinky

[หˆstษชล‹ki ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

smell

Having a strong and unpleasant smell.

Synonyms

foul-smelling, rank, smelly.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
stinky

Used in informal settings to describe something that has an unpleasant smell. It is commonly used in everyday conversation and has a slightly playful tone.

  • The cheese in the fridge is really stinky.
  • His gym clothes are always so stinky after practice.
smelly

Used in everyday situations to describe something that doesn't smell good. Like 'stinky,' it is informal but lacks the playful tone, making it more neutral.

  • The smelly socks were left on the floor.
  • This room is so smelly, it needs to be aired out.
foul-smelling

Used in formal or semi-formal settings to describe something with a very unpleasant and strong odor. This word is often used in writing or when the smell is particularly offensive.

  • The old basement was foul-smelling from years of neglect.
  • The foul-smelling garbage needed to be taken out immediately.
rank

Used to describe a very strong and unpleasant smell. It has a more harsh and negative connotation compared to other words in this list. Often used in a judgmental manner.

  • The rank odor from the dumpster was unbearable.
  • His rank breath made it difficult to stand close to him.

Examples of usage

  • The garbage was so stinky that we had to take it out immediately.
  • The stinky cheese made the whole room smell bad.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Smells can evoke strong memories, and the human brain is wired to respond to odors, often linking them to emotions.
  • Studies show that unpleasant smells can activate the amygdala, which is tied to emotional responses, making experiences feel more intense.
  • Being exposed to foul odors can also influence people's moods, often making them feel irritable or anxious.

Pop Culture

  • In cartoons and movies, characters often exaggerate bad smells by showing green clouds or their noses going up, emphasizing how stinky things are.
  • The character 'Stinky' in the animated series 'How to Train Your Dragon' is known for his humorous and unfortunate odor, making the term widely relatable.
  • Stinky cheeses, like Roquefort and Limburger, are celebrated in culinary circles for their strong smells, despite their bad reputations.

Science

  • Molecules known as volatile organic compounds (VOCs) contribute to the smells of decaying substances, making them 'stinky.'
  • Certain bacteria break down waste and produce gases, such as hydrogen sulfide, which is known for its rotten egg smellโ€”extremely 'stinky!'
  • The human nose can detect parts per billion of certain odors, which shows how sensitive our sense of smell is to different scents, including stinky ones.

Cultural Perspectives

  • Many cultures have specific 'stinky' foods, like durian in Southeast Asia; while they have a strong odor, they are considered delicacies.
  • In some societies, unpleasant odors may be associated with bad luck or misfortune, leading to superstitions around cleanliness and smell.
  • The concept of 'stinky' is often used metaphorically in literature and speech to describe something morally unpalatable or undesirable.

Origin of 'stinky'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'stinky' comes from the verb 'stink,' which has roots in Middle English and is related to Old Norse 'stinka.'
  • In English, the suffix '-y' is often added to adjectives to describe a quality, making 'stinky' an informal way to say something is smelly.
  • The word has been used in common language since the 19th century to describe unpleasant odors.

The word 'stinky' is a colloquial term used to describe something with a strong and unpleasant smell. It originated from the Old English word 'stincan' which means to emit a strong odor. Over time, 'stinky' became a popular informal term to describe foul-smelling things.

See also: stink, stinker.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #34,341 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.