stink etymology

Etymology:

  • Middle English stinken, from Old English stincan, related to Old Norse stinkja, Proto-Germanic *stingkanan, from Proto-Indo-European *steg- ("to be pungent").

Meaning:

  1. To emit a strong, unpleasant odor.
  2. To be foul-smelling or offensive.
  3. (figuratively) To be unpleasant or disagreeable.

Origin:

The word "stink" likely originated from the Proto-Indo-European root *steg-, which meant "to be pungent" or "to smell strongly." This root is also found in other words related to unpleasant odors, such as "stench" and "stagnant."

The English word "stink" has been in use since at least the 13th century. It was originally used to describe the strong smell of decaying matter or other unpleasant substances. Over time, the word has come to be used more broadly to refer to any strong or offensive odor.

Examples:

  • The garbage disposal was stinking up the kitchen.
  • The smell of the skunk was nauseatingly potent.
  • The politician's scandals stunk to high heaven.

stink relate terms

  • smell

    Etymology The word smell comes from the Middle English word smellen which in turn or

  • smolder

    Etymology Old English smorian to smother from Proto Germanic smerwaz Cognates in oth

  • stench

    Etymology Stench is derived from the Middle English word stenchen which is ultimate

  • stink

    Etymology Middle English stinken from Old English stincan related to Old Norse stinkj

  • drench

    Etymology The word drench comes from the Middle English word drenchen meaning to we

  • drink

    Etymology The word drink comes from the Old English word drincan which is derived fr

  • clench

    Etymology and Meaning The word clench has multiple origins and meanings Origin 1 Mid

  • cling

    Etymology The word cling comes from the Old English word clingan which means to ad