skunky etymology

Etymology

The word "skunky" has two possible etymologies:

• From the Native American Algonquian language:

  • "Sequan" or "segonk," meaning "skunk"
  • The name was first used by English colonists in the 17th century to refer to the animal's pungent odor.

• From the Latin word "scūtulum":

  • Meaning "small shield"
  • This etymology refers to the skunk's distinctive black and white markings, which resemble a shield.

Meaning and Origin

"Skunky" is an adjective that can have several meanings:

• Having a strong, unpleasant smell: This is the most common meaning, usually associated with the animal's defensive musk.
• Resembling the markings of a skunk: Black and white stripes or patches.
• Unpleasant or distasteful: "That movie was so skunky, I couldn't finish it."
• (Slang) Inferior or of poor quality: "That car is a real skunky lemon."

The word "skunky" originated in North America and was first used in the 17th century. It has since entered the English language as a slang term and a general adjective to describe anything with an unpleasant odor or appearance.

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  Etymology Origin Native American Algonquian languages specifically from the Penobscot

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