Top 41 Slang For Foul Smelling – Meaning & Usage

When it comes to describing unpleasant odors, sometimes regular words just don’t cut it. That’s why we’ve gathered a list of the most creative and hilarious slang terms people use to talk about foul smells. Get ready to chuckle and maybe even add a few new phrases to your vocabulary as we explore the world of slang for foul smelling.

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1. Rank

Rank is a slang term used to describe something with a strong and unpleasant smell. It is often used to refer to body odor or the smell of something rotting or decaying.

For example, “I forgot to take out the trash and now the whole kitchen smells rank.”
A person might say, “I can’t stand the rank smell in this room, we need to open a window.”
In a discussion about hygiene, someone might comment, “Using deodorant is important to avoid smelling rank.”

2. Stinky

Stinky is a casual term used to describe something that emits a strong and unpleasant odor. It can refer to body odor, smelly objects, or foul-smelling places.

For instance, “I left my gym clothes in my bag and now it’s all stinky.”
A person might say, “There’s a stinky smell coming from the garbage can, we need to take it out.”
In a conversation about pets, someone might comment, “My dog rolled in something stinky during our walk.”

3. Rancid

Rancid is a term used to describe something that has gone bad or turned rotten, resulting in a strong and unpleasant smell. It is often used to refer to spoiled food or oils.

For example, “I accidentally left the milk out overnight and now it smells rancid.”
A person might say, “The rancid smell coming from the garbage disposal means something is stuck.”
In a discussion about cooking, someone might comment, “Using rancid oil can ruin the taste of a dish.”

4. Funky

Funky is a slang term used to describe something with an unusual or unpleasant smell. It can refer to body odor, strong perfumes, or any other odor that is distinct and not necessarily pleasant.

For instance, “I bought this cheese from the market and it has a funky smell.”
A person might say, “I can’t stand the funky smell of this cleaning product, let’s switch to something else.”
In a conversation about fashion, someone might comment, “She always wears funky perfumes that stand out.”

5. Putrid

Putrid is an adjective used to describe something that emits a strong and offensive smell due to decomposition or decay. It is often used to describe the smell of rotting food or dead animals.

For example, “The putrid smell coming from the garbage bin is unbearable.”
A person might say, “I accidentally left a piece of fruit in my bag and now it’s putrid.”
In a discussion about cleaning, someone might comment, “Using bleach can help get rid of putrid odors in bathrooms.”

6. Fetid

Fetid is an adjective that describes a strong, unpleasant odor. It is often used to describe something that emits a foul smell.

For example, “The dumpster behind the restaurant was filled with fetid garbage.”
A person might say, “I can’t stand the fetid smell coming from the sewer.”
In a discussion about a rotten egg, someone might comment, “The egg has a fetid odor.”

7. Malodorous

Malodorous is an adjective that means having an offensive or unpleasant odor. It is often used to describe something that emits a strong, foul smell.

For instance, “The bathroom was filled with malodorous odors.”
A person might say, “I can’t stand the malodorous stench coming from the garbage.”
In a discussion about a smelly cheese, someone might comment, “The cheese has a malodorous aroma.”

8. Pungent

Pungent is an adjective that describes a strong, often unpleasant odor. It is often used to describe something that has a sharp or penetrating smell.

For example, “The onions were so pungent that they made my eyes water.”
A person might say, “The pungent smell of the perfume filled the room.”
In a discussion about a spicy dish, someone might comment, “The curry has a pungent aroma.”

9. Noxious

Noxious is an adjective that describes something that is harmful, toxic, or foul-smelling. It is often used to describe something that emits a strong, unpleasant odor that can be harmful to health.

For instance, “The noxious fumes from the chemicals made me feel sick.”
A person might say, “The noxious smell coming from the factory is polluting the air.”
In a discussion about a toxic waste site, someone might comment, “The site emits noxious odors that are harmful to the environment.”

10. Foul

Foul is an adjective that describes something that is extremely unpleasant or disgusting, especially in terms of smell. It is often used to describe something that emits a strong, offensive odor.

For example, “The rotten eggs had a foul smell.”
A person might say, “The foul odor coming from the sewer is unbearable.”
In a discussion about a decaying animal, someone might comment, “The carcass has a foul stench.”

11. Off-putting

This term is used to describe something that is distasteful or repulsive. It refers to something that causes a negative reaction or makes someone feel uncomfortable.

For example, “The smell coming from the dumpster was off-putting.”
A person might say, “I find the combination of those two perfumes to be off-putting.”
In a restaurant review, someone might write, “The off-putting odor in the dining area ruined the overall experience.”

12. Rotten

This word is used to describe something that is in a state of decay or decomposition. It is often associated with a foul or unpleasant smell.

For instance, “The garbage can was filled with rotten food.”
A person might say, “I accidentally left the milk out overnight, and now it smells rotten.”
In a discussion about food safety, someone might mention, “It’s important to check for signs of spoilage, such as a rotten smell, before consuming.”

13. Stench

This term refers to a strong and unpleasant smell, often associated with something foul or offensive.

For example, “The stench coming from the sewer was overpowering.”
A person might say, “I can’t stand the stench of rotten eggs.”
In a description of a dirty bathroom, someone might write, “The stench of urine was unbearable.”

14. Ripe

In the context of foul smells, “ripe” is used to describe something that has a strong or pungent odor, often indicating that it is past its prime or spoiled.

For instance, “The trash can was filled with ripe garbage.”
A person might say, “The cheese has been sitting out for too long and has become ripe.”
In a discussion about composting, someone might mention, “When the fruit is ripe, it adds a strong, earthy smell to the compost pile.”

15. Gamy

This word is used to describe a strong and unpleasant smell, often associated with game meat or animals that have a strong natural odor.

For example, “The room smelled gamy after cooking venison.”
A person might say, “I can’t eat duck because I find it too gamy.”
In a discussion about hunting, someone might mention, “Proper field dressing and processing can help reduce the gamy smell of wild game.”

16. Miasmic

This term describes something that emits a foul or unpleasant odor. It is often used to describe a strong, overpowering smell that is unpleasant to the senses.

For example, “The abandoned building had a miasmic odor that made it difficult to breathe.”
A person might say, “The garbage bin outside my apartment has a miasmic stench.”
In a review of a restaurant, someone might write, “The seafood dish had a miasmic smell that made it hard to enjoy.”

17. Acrid

This word is used to describe a smell that is harsh, pungent, and often irritating to the nose and throat. It is often associated with burning materials or chemical compounds.

For instance, “The acrid smoke from the fire filled the room.”
A person might say, “The cleaning product has an acrid odor that bothers my allergies.”
In a description of a laboratory, someone might write, “The chemicals in the lab had an acrid smell that lingered in the air.”

18. Musty

This term is used to describe a smell that is stale, damp, and often associated with old or poorly ventilated spaces. It is often characterized by a moldy or earthy odor.

For example, “The basement had a musty smell due to the lack of airflow.”
A person might say, “The old books in the library had a musty odor.”
In a description of an antique shop, someone might write, “The vintage clothes had a distinct musty smell.”

19. Stale

This word is used to describe a smell that is no longer fresh or pleasant. It is often associated with food or other perishable items that have been left out for too long.

For instance, “The bread had a stale smell and was no longer edible.”
A person might say, “The air in the room was stale and needed to be refreshed.”
In a review of a hotel, someone might write, “The room had a stale odor that was off-putting.”

20. Skunky

This term is used to describe a smell that resembles the strong, pungent odor of a skunk. It is often associated with certain strains of marijuana that have a distinct skunk-like scent.

For example, “The skunky smell of marijuana lingered in the air.”
A person might say, “The skunky odor from the skunk spray was overpowering.”
In a discussion about different strains of cannabis, someone might write, “This particular strain has a skunky smell that some people find appealing.”

21. Fusty

Fusty is used to describe a smell that is old, musty, or stale. It often refers to something that has been stored for a long time and has developed an unpleasant odor.

For example, “The basement had a fusty smell that made me cough.”
A person might say, “I opened an old book and was hit with the fusty smell of decaying paper.”
Another might comment, “The attic was filled with fusty furniture that hadn’t been touched in years.”

22. Stagnant

Stagnant is used to describe a smell that is stale, putrid, or foul. It often refers to something that has been sitting still or stagnant for a long period of time and has developed a strong and unpleasant odor.

For instance, “The pond had a stagnant smell that made my stomach turn.”
A person might say, “The air in the closed room was thick and stagnant, with a foul smell.”
Another might comment, “The stagnant water in the old bathtub emitted a repugnant smell.”

23. Moldering

Moldering is used to describe a smell that is rotten, decaying, or decomposing. It often refers to something that is in the process of breaking down and emitting a foul odor.

For example, “The moldering food in the fridge filled the kitchen with a disgusting smell.”
A person might say, “The abandoned house had a moldering smell that made my eyes water.”
Another might comment, “The moldering leaves on the ground created a nauseating smell.”

24. Stank

Stank is used to describe a smell that is strong, offensive, or repugnant. It is often used to emphasize the intensity of a foul odor.

For instance, “The garbage can had a stank smell that could be smelled from across the room.”
A person might say, “The bathroom had a stank odor that lingered even after cleaning.”
Another might comment, “The stank smell coming from the sewer was unbearable.”

25. Repugnant

Repugnant is used to describe a smell that is disgusting, offensive, or repulsive. It often refers to something that causes a strong feeling of aversion or disgust.

For example, “The dumpster behind the restaurant emitted a repugnant smell.”
A person might say, “The repugnant odor coming from the sewage plant made me gag.”
Another might comment, “The repugnant stench of rotting fish filled the air at the market.”

26. Offensive

This term is used to describe a strong and unpleasant odor that is offensive to the senses. It implies that the smell is not only foul, but also repulsive or disgusting.

For example, “The smell coming from the garbage can was offensive and made me gag.”
When describing a smelly bathroom, one might say, “The odor in there is so offensive, I can’t even go in.”
Someone might comment on a person’s body odor by saying, “Their offensive smell is enough to clear a room.”

27. Nauseating

This word is used to describe a smell that is so unpleasant that it causes a feeling of nausea or disgust. It implies that the odor is so strong and overpowering that it can make someone feel sick.

For instance, “The nauseating smell of rotten eggs filled the room and made everyone queasy.”
When describing a foul smell, one might say, “The odor from the trash can was so nauseating, I had to hold my breath.”
A person might complain about a strong perfume by saying, “The scent is so nauseating, it gives me a headache.”

28. Vile

This term is used to describe a smell that is extremely unpleasant, offensive, or repulsive. It implies that the odor is not only foul, but also morally or ethically repugnant.

For example, “The vile smell of rotten fish made me want to gag.”
When describing a foul odor, one might say, “The stench was so vile, it lingered in the air for hours.”
A person might comment on the smell of spoiled milk by saying, “It’s absolutely vile, I can’t even stand to be near it.”

29. Unpleasant

This word is used to describe a smell that is not pleasing or agreeable to the senses. It implies that the odor is not necessarily foul, but simply not enjoyable or desirable.

For instance, “The unpleasant smell of sweaty socks filled the locker room.”
When describing a bad smell, one might say, “The odor coming from the garbage can is quite unpleasant.”
A person might comment on a musty odor by saying, “It’s a bit nasty, but it’s not too overpowering.”

30. Fumy

This term is used to describe a smell that is strong and often sharp or biting to the senses. It implies that the odor is not only foul, but also intense or overpowering.

For example, “The fumy smell of burning rubber filled the air.”
When describing a strong odor, one might say, “The fumes from the chemicals were quite fumy and made me cough.”
A person might comment on the smell of a skunk by saying, “It’s very pungent and can be smelled from far away.”

31. Fetch

Fetch is a slang term used to describe something that has a foul or unpleasant smell.

For example, “What’s that fetch smell coming from the kitchen?”
Someone might say, “I can’t stand the fetch odor of garbage.”
Another person might comment, “This cheese has a really fetch aroma.”

32. Off

Off is a slang term used to describe something that emits a bad or unpleasant odor.

For instance, “There’s an off smell in this room.”
If someone asks, “What’s that off odor?”
Another person might say, “I can’t eat this. It tastes off.”

33. Whiffy

Whiffy is a slang term used to describe something that has a strong and unpleasant smell.

For example, “This garbage is really whiffy.”
If someone says, “There’s a whiffy smell coming from the bathroom.”
Another person might comment, “I can’t be in this room. It’s too whiffy.”

34. Mephitic

Mephitic is a term used to describe something that emits a noxious or foul-smelling odor.

For instance, “The mephitic fumes from the chemical spill were unbearable.”
If someone asks, “What’s that mephitic stench?”
Another person might comment, “I had to leave the room because of the mephitic odor.”

35. Foetid

Foetid is a term used to describe something that has a strong and unpleasant odor.

For example, “The foetid smell of rotting food filled the kitchen.”
If someone says, “There’s a foetid odor in the basement.”
Another person might comment, “I can’t stand the foetid stench in this room.”

36. Stinky-poo

This term is a playful way to describe something or someone that has a foul smell. It is often used to refer to something that smells bad in a humorous or lighthearted manner.

For example, “Who left this stinky-poo in the fridge?”
A parent might say, “Time to change your stinky-poo diaper.”
Someone might comment, “This garbage can is full of stinky-poo.”

37. Niffy

Niffy is a slang term used to describe something that has a strong and unpleasant smell. It is typically used to refer to a bad smell that is particularly pungent or overpowering.

For instance, “I can’t go in there, it smells niffy.”
Someone might say, “That cheese left in the fridge too long is starting to get niffy.”
A person might complain, “The bathroom has a niffy smell.”

38. Stenchy

Stenchy is a slang term used to describe something that emits an offensive or repulsive smell. It is often used to emphasize the intensity or unpleasantness of a bad smell.

For example, “The dumpster behind the restaurant is always stenchy.”
A person might say, “I forgot to take out the garbage, and now the whole house smells stenchy.”
Someone might comment, “The socks in your gym bag are getting pretty stenchy.”

39. Frowzy

Frowzy is a slang term used to describe something or someone that has a strong and unpleasant smell. It is often used to refer to a person or their body odor, but can also be used to describe any foul smell.

For instance, “After a long day of hiking, we were all feeling frowzy.”
Someone might say, “I need to take a shower, I’m feeling frowzy.”
A person might comment, “This room smells frowzy, we should open a window.”

40. Rancorous

Rancorous is a slang term used to describe something that has a foul or offensive odor. It is often used to describe a smell that is not only unpleasant, but also has a sense of bitterness or hostility.

For example, “The garbage left in the sun has a rancorous smell.”
A person might say, “I accidentally spilled milk in my car, and now it has a rancorous odor.”
Someone might comment, “The sewer drain is emitting a rancorous smell.”

41. Reeky

This word is used to describe something that has a strong and unpleasant smell. It is often used to describe foul odors that are lingering or pervasive.

For example, “The garbage can was so reeky that I had to hold my breath while taking it out.”
In a discussion about bad smells, someone might say, “The gym locker room can get pretty reeky after a long workout.”
A person describing a smelly food might say, “I tried a new cheese yesterday and it was incredibly reeky.”