Etymology

skunky

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Today it means: Mean, contemptible. Full definition →

First used 19th c.English skunk ← Proto-Algonquian *šeka·kwa
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The story

  1. Proto-Algonquian*šek-
  2. Proto-Algonquian*šeka·kwa
  3. Englishskunk
  4. English todayskunky

From skunk + -y.

First known use, by meaning

  • from 19th c. Mean, contemptible.
  • from 19th c. Resembling a skunk; especially, having a strong or unpleasant odor or (of food, drink) taste.

Etymology from Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.