stink ball: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very LowHistorical / Informal / Humorous / Figurative
Quick answer
What does “stink ball” mean?
A historical projectile weapon that emits a noxious or foul-smelling smoke upon impact.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A historical projectile weapon that emits a noxious or foul-smelling smoke upon impact.
Used informally to describe anything (literal or figurative) that emits a terrible smell, is highly unpleasant, or is a complete failure (metaphorically "stinks").
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Identical in historical reference. Modern informal use is slightly more plausible in US English due to 'stink bomb' being common in both. Both equally rare.
Connotations
Equally archaic and quirky. May be used for humorous hyperbole in either variety.
Frequency
Extremely rare in both. Likely only encountered in historical texts, specialized discussions, or deliberate creative use.
Grammar
How to Use “stink ball” in a Sentence
[Subject] is a stink ball.[Subject] threw a stink ball.It smelled like a stink ball.Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used. Could appear in hyperbolic criticism: 'That quarterly report was a real stink ball.'
Academic
Only in historical/military studies discussing early chemical or psychological weaponry.
Everyday
Rare. Used humorously for a bad smell or a failed effort: 'My attempt at baking bread turned into a complete stink ball.'
Technical
Historical term for an anti-personnel or ship-clearing device filled with combustibles and foul substances.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “stink ball”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “stink ball”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “stink ball”
- Using it to mean a literal sports ball (e.g., football) that is dirty.
- Confusing it with the more common 'stink bomb' (a small, prank device).
- Using it in formal contexts.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Historically, yes, they refer to similar concepts. Today, 'stink bomb' is the common term for a small, prank device, while 'stink ball' is archaic.
Only if you are writing about historical weapons. In all other academic contexts, it is too informal and vague.
No, it's very rare. Calling someone a 'stink ball' would be unusual, childish, or intentionally quirky humor.
It is primarily a compound noun. It is not used as a verb or adjective.
A historical projectile weapon that emits a noxious or foul-smelling smoke upon impact.
Stink ball is usually historical / informal / humorous / figurative in register.
Stink ball: in British English it is pronounced /ˈstɪŋk ˌbɔːl/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈstɪŋk ˌbɔl/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “to be/feel like a stink ball”
- “to throw a stink ball into something (i.e., to ruin something)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a BALL that makes everyone go 'PHEW, it STINKS!'
Conceptual Metaphor
FAILURE IS A FOUL SMELL. A PROBLEM IS A PROJECTILE.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'stink ball' most accurately used?