stinker: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Informal
Quick answer
What does “stinker” mean?
Something or someone that is very bad, unpleasant, or of very poor quality.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Something or someone that is very bad, unpleasant, or of very poor quality; can refer to a person, situation, or thing.
A difficult problem or puzzle; something that smells very bad; a person who behaves badly or unpleasantly.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Both use the term similarly, but it may be slightly more common in British English as a mild, humorous insult.
Connotations
In both varieties, it carries negative connotations but is not typically considered highly offensive. It can be used affectionately among friends.
Frequency
Moderate frequency in informal speech in both regions; less common in formal writing.
Grammar
How to Use “stinker” in a Sentence
NP be a stinkerNP have a stinker of a NPV NP a stinkerVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “stinker” in a Sentence
noun
British English
- He's a bit of a stinker when he doesn't get his own way.
- This maths problem is a proper stinker.
- What a stinker of a day!
American English
- That guy is a real stinker for not showing up.
- The final exam was a stinker.
- We're in for a stinker of a heatwave.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Might be used informally to describe a terrible deal or a difficult client: 'That contract negotiation was a real stinker.'
Academic
Very rare. Not appropriate for formal academic writing.
Everyday
Common in informal conversation to describe bad days, smells, or people: 'My commute this morning was a stinker.'
Technical
Not used.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “stinker”
- Using it in formal contexts
- Confusing it with the more literal 'something that stinks'
- Overusing as a generic insult.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is informal and negative, but not typically considered swearing or highly offensive. It's often used in a humorous or mildly exasperated way.
Yes, it commonly describes bad situations, problems, performances, or smells (e.g., 'a stinker of a day', 'a stinker of a puzzle').
'Stinker' is often milder and can be more playful or affectionate. 'Jerk' is stronger, more direct, and almost exclusively negative when describing a person.
No. The related verb is 'to stink'. 'Stinker' is only a noun.
Something or someone that is very bad, unpleasant, or of very poor quality.
Stinker is usually informal in register.
Stinker: in British English it is pronounced /ˈstɪŋkə(r)/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈstɪŋkər/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “have a stinker (to have a very bad performance)”
- “be a stinker for something (to have a bad habit)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: A STINKer STINKs. Something that smells bad or is bad.
Conceptual Metaphor
BAD IS MALODOROUS (A bad thing/person is like a bad smell).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'stinker' LEAST appropriate?