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Stunk Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐Ÿ‘ƒ๐Ÿ’จ
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stunk

[stสŒล‹k ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

past tense

Stunk is the simple past tense and past participle of the verb stink. It is used to describe a situation where something produced a strong, unpleasant smell. This word is commonly associated with decaying organic matter, spoiled food, or any source of odor. In everyday language, it can also refer to a failure or something that went poorly. The implication of the smell is often strong enough to cause a reaction or disgust.

Synonyms

fumed, reeked, smelled.

Examples of usage

  • The garbage stunk after a week.
  • The fish had stunk for days.
  • Her gym shoes really stunk.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Pop Culture

  • 'Stunk' appears in various songs and films, often as a humorous way to describe something unpleasant.
  • The phrase 'stinks to high heaven' colloquially relates to 'stunk' and is often used to describe suspicious situations.
  • In comedy, a character might exclaim 'It stunk!' to elicit laughter, emphasizing the exaggerated nature of the smell described.

Science

  • Chemicals called volatile organic compounds are often responsible for strong odors, which can lead to a situation where something 'stunk.'
  • Certain bacteria break down food waste, producing foul-smelling gases, hence the rotten smells that lead to the use of 'stunk.'
  • The human nose can detect over 1 trillion different smells, making it a powerful tool for identifying when something has 'stunk.'

Psychology

  • Research suggests that negative odors can trigger unfavorable emotional memories, linking the concept of 'stunk' to our experiences.
  • The concept of smell, including when something 'stunk', has been shown to influence mood and behavior.
  • Odor aversion is a psychological response where an unpleasant smell can evoke strong feelings of disgust or avoidance.

Literature

  • Many classic novels use the description of unpleasant smells, like 'stunk', to set a grim or challenging scene.
  • Poets often use olfactory imagery involving smells that 'stunk' to evoke feelings and create atmosphere.
  • In children's literature, the concept of something 'stunk' is often employed for humor or to teach lessons about hygiene.

Origin of 'stunk'

Main points about word origin

  • This word is the past tense of 'stink', which comes from the Old English word 'stincan', meaning to smell or emit odor.
  • The alteration in spelling from 'stink' to 'stunk' is an example of an irregular verb form that dates back to Middle English.
  • Variations of 'stink' can be traced back as far as the 14th century in literature, showing its long-standing use in the English language.

The word 'stunk' has its origins in Middle English, coming from the Old English 'stincan', which meant to emit a smell or odor. Its development over time has seen variations in spelling and form, including the influence of related Germanic languages. In Middle English, the term was utilized to convey not only the act of producing a smell but also in a figurative sense, indicating something undesirable. The past participle 'stunk' has been used since the 14th century and has retained a strong association with foul odors throughout its use in the English language, eventually cementing its place in contemporary vernacular. The evolution of the word reflects cultural changes regarding hygiene, the perception of smells, and linguistic shifts throughout the centuries.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #36,451, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.