skunk: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2informal, semi-technical (zoology)
Quick answer
What does “skunk” mean?
A small black and white North American mammal known for its defensive ability to spray a foul-smelling liquid.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A small black and white North American mammal known for its defensive ability to spray a foul-smelling liquid.
A contemptible person; to defeat decisively (verb, informal, US); a potent strain of cannabis (slang).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The verb sense 'to defeat decisively' is primarily American. The cannabis slang is understood but less common in British usage. The animal is native to the Americas, making the term more frequent in US/Canadian contexts.
Connotations
In both, the animal reference is neutral/factual. The person metaphor is negative. The verb in US usage is strongly informal, often used in sports contexts.
Frequency
Higher frequency in North American English due to the animal's presence. In UK English, primarily encountered in wildlife media or as a metaphor.
Grammar
How to Use “skunk” in a Sentence
[Subject] skunked [Object] (US verb)be [modifier] skunk (e.g., 'drunken skunk')smell of/ like a skunkVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “skunk” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- (Less common) The home team were absolutely skunked, losing by fifty points.
- They skunked us at poker last night.
American English
- The Yankees skunked the Red Sox 10-0.
- We got skunked in the first round of the playoffs.
adverb
British English
- (Extremely rare) No standard adverbial use.
American English
- (Extremely rare) No standard adverbial use.
adjective
British English
- He had a skunk-like odour about him after the chemical spill.
- It was a skunk strategy, doomed from the start.
American English
- That's some skunk weed, man. (slang)
- They pulled a skunk move, backing out of the deal.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Possibly metaphorical for a disastrous deal or a toxic colleague ('He's a real skunk in the accounts department').
Academic
Used in zoology/biology texts. Otherwise rare.
Everyday
Common for the animal, informal for the person/verb senses.
Technical
Zoology: family Mephitidae.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “skunk”
- Pronouncing the 'u' as /ʊ/ like in 'put' (correct is /ʌ/). Using the verb sense in formal UK English. Overusing the slang term for cannabis.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Remain calm and back away slowly. Sudden movements may startle it and cause it to spray.
It is derogatory and informal, implying they are unpleasant or dishonest, but it is less severe than many other animal-based insults.
It is understood due to media exposure, but it remains an Americanism and sounds informal or slightly odd in a strictly British context.
It's a North American plant (Lysichiton americanus) that emits a skunk-like odour, especially when its leaves are crushed.
A small black and white North American mammal known for its defensive ability to spray a foul-smelling liquid.
Skunk is usually informal, semi-technical (zoology) in register.
Skunk: in British English it is pronounced /skʌŋk/, and in American English it is pronounced /skʌŋk/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “drunk as a skunk”
- “smell to high heaven (related concept)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: SKU**NK** - it stinks! The 'NK' can remind you of the 'nasty smell'.
Conceptual Metaphor
BAD IS FOUL-SMELLING / A CONTEMPTIBLE PERSON IS A VERMINOUS ANIMAL.
Practice
Quiz
In which variety of English is the verb 'to skunk' meaning 'to defeat decisively' most commonly used?