stank: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Informal for the verb past tense; Very informal/slang for the adjective/noun usage.
Quick answer
What does “stank” mean?
The simple past tense of the verb 'stink', meaning to emit a strong, unpleasant smell.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The simple past tense of the verb 'stink', meaning to emit a strong, unpleasant smell.
Informally, can also function as an adjective or noun (especially in African American Vernacular English and slang) to describe something or someone as extremely cool, impressive, or having a strong, attractive presence. As a noun, it can refer to a foul smell or a drainage ditch.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The verb past tense is standard in both. The slang adjective/noun usage is more prevalent in American English due to its origins in AAVE. The noun meaning 'drainage ditch' is more common in UK regional dialects.
Connotations
In both, the verb is neutral/informal. In AmE slang, 'stank' as an adjective has positive connotations of coolness. In BrE, the regional 'ditch' meaning is neutral/technical.
Frequency
The past tense verb is moderately frequent. The slang adjective is highly frequent in specific cultural contexts (music, social media) but less so in general formal writing.
Grammar
How to Use “stank” in a Sentence
Subject + stank (intransitive)Subject + stank + of + noun (e.g., stank of fish)Subject + stank + like + noun (e.g., stank like a sewer)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “stank” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The bin stank after a week in the sun.
- His feet stank terribly after the marathon.
American English
- The fridge stank of spoiled milk.
- The whole situation stank of a setup.
adverb
British English
- (Rare/Non-standard) He looked stank cool in those shades.
American English
- (Rare/Non-standard) She danced stank well.
adjective
British English
- (Slang, less common) That new track is stank!
- He had a stank attitude that put people off.
American English
- (Slang) She walked in with a stank new outfit.
- He's got stank moves on the dance floor.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except metaphorically: 'The deal stank of corruption.'
Academic
Rare for the verb; the slang usage is not used.
Everyday
Common for describing bad smells. Slang usage common in youth culture.
Technical
Possible in environmental science or sanitation contexts describing odor.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “stank”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “stank”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “stank”
- Using 'stinked' (incorrect) instead of 'stank'.
- Using the slang adjective in formal contexts.
- Misspelling as 'stanc' or 'stenk'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, 'stinked' is not standard. The correct simple past tense of 'stink' is 'stank'. The past participle is 'stunk'.
As the past tense of 'stink', it is acceptable but somewhat informal; 'smelled foul' or 'reeked' might be preferred. The slang usage is inappropriate for formal contexts.
'Stank' is the simple past tense (e.g., 'It stank yesterday'). 'Stunk' is the past participle, used with auxiliary verbs (e.g., 'It has stunk for days').
It originates from African American Vernacular English (AAVE) and hip-hop culture, evolving from the idea of something so potent or strong (like a smell) that it commands attention, later taking on positive connotations of style and confidence.
The simple past tense of the verb 'stink', meaning to emit a strong, unpleasant smell.
Stank: in British English it is pronounced /staŋk/, and in American English it is pronounced /stæŋk/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “stank to high heaven (smelled very bad; also, was highly suspicious)”
- “throw a stank (slang: to give a disapproving look)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'The TANK had a STANK' – it helps remember the 'ank' spelling for the past tense.
Conceptual Metaphor
BAD IS SMELLY (The past situation was bad/unpleasant). In slang: POWERFUL/ATTRACTIVE IS PUNGENT (A strong presence is like a strong smell).
Practice
Quiz
In contemporary slang, if someone says 'That beat is stank,' what do they most likely mean?