stinkard: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Rare / ObsoleteArchaic, Literary, Highly Informal, Offensive
Quick answer
What does “stinkard” mean?
A contemptible, morally offensive, or unpleasant person.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A contemptible, morally offensive, or unpleasant person.
Historically also referred to an animal that emits a strong, offensive smell (e.g., a polecat or stinkbug).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant regional difference in meaning or usage; the term is equally archaic in both varieties.
Connotations
Strongly pejorative; carries a sense of deep moral disgust, not just mild dislike. The olfactory metaphor is central.
Frequency
Extremely rare in modern use, found primarily in historical texts or deliberate archaic stylings. No notable frequency difference between BrE and AmE.
Grammar
How to Use “stinkard” in a Sentence
You [copula] a stinkard.That [noun phrase] is a stinkard.He called him a stinkard.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “stinkard” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- This word is not used as a verb.
American English
- This word is not used as a verb.
adverb
British English
- This word is not used as an adverb.
American English
- This word is not used as an adverb.
adjective
British English
- This word is not used as an adjective.
American English
- This word is not used as an adjective.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Only in historical or literary analysis of older texts.
Everyday
Virtually never used; would sound comically archaic or intentionally dramatic.
Technical
Not used.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “stinkard”
- Using it in modern serious conversation. Confusing it with 'stinker' (which is informal but modern).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is an archaic term and would sound very old-fashioned or deliberately theatrical if used now.
Historically, yes (e.g., a skunk or polecat). In modern understanding, it is almost exclusively a term for a despicable person.
'Stinker' is a modern, informal term for an unpleasant person or a difficult situation. 'Stinkard' is archaic, more literary, and implies stronger moral condemnation.
Yes, it is a strong pejorative. However, its archaic nature often softens its impact into something humorous or dramatic rather than genuinely insulting in contemporary settings.
A contemptible, morally offensive, or unpleasant person.
Stinkard is usually archaic, literary, highly informal, offensive in register.
Stinkard: in British English it is pronounced /ˈstɪŋkəd/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈstɪŋkɑːrd/ or /ˈstɪŋkərd/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None specific to this archaic term.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: A person whose behaviour 'stinks' so badly they are a 'stinkard' (like a 'drunkard' for drinking).
Conceptual Metaphor
IMMORALITY / BAD CHARACTER IS A FOUL SMELL.
Practice
Quiz
In which context would the word 'stinkard' be MOST appropriately used today?