The story
Coined by American lawyer, lexicographer, and teacher Bryan A. Garner, and since adopted by some other style guides.
Etymology from Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.
skunked term
Today it means: A word that becomes difficult to use because it is transitioning from one meaning to another. Purists may insist on the old usage, while descriptivists are more open to newer usages. Full definition →