What does stinky mean?
Stinky is an informal adjective meaning that something has or produces an unpleasant smell. It is especially associated with strong odors such as sweaty feet, spoiled food, stagnant water, or unwashed clothing, and its plain, alliterative sound makes it more emphatic than a neutral description of an odor. In informal figurative use, stinky can describe an action, agreement, or institution as corrupt, unfair, or morally objectionable, as in “a stinky deal.” The word is used in both British and American English and commonly appears in everyday speech, humor, children’s language, and informal journalism. Although “bad-smelling” or “offensive-smelling” may sound more formal, stinky is the more direct and vivid choice. Its critical figurative meaning adds moral disapproval to the sensory associations of the word, while its slightly playful rhythm can make even a serious accusation sound blunt or conversational.
adjectiveHaving or producing an unpleasant smell. Informally, it can also describe something morally objectionable, corrupt, or disreputable.
- Having or producing an unpleasant smell.
- Informally, morally objectionable, corrupt, or disreputable.
"A hot day in the city left the alley with a stinky smell that was impossible to ignore."
"His trainers had become so sweaty and stinky that he left them outside."
"The newspaper described the proposed arrangement as a stinky deal designed to favor a few officials."
Stinky gives an unpleasant odor an alliterative punch, turning a plain complaint into a memorable, slightly playful verdict.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does stinky come from?
Stinky was formed in English by adding the adjective suffix -y to stink. Its base verb descends from Old English stincan, a Germanic verb associated with emitting an odor, and related verbs exist in other Germanic languages. English developed several derivatives from the same base, including stinking and stinker, alongside the familiar adjective stinky.
Related word forms
How stinky is actually used
Usually informal and often blunt or dismissive. It may sound playful or childish when describing a minor problem, but strongly condemnatory when applied to conduct, institutions, or arrangements. The figurative sense is especially associated with informal political and journalistic usage.
Easily confused with stinky
Both can mean foul-smelling, but stinking can also be the present participle of stink, as in “the milk is stinking.”