Definition of stinky

"Stinky" is a fascinating word with an uncertain origin. It's likely a combination of two words: * **"Stink"**: This comes from Old English "stincān" meaning "to smell strongly," possibly linked to the Proto-Germanic word *stinkan*. * **"Y"**: This suffix was added to many words in Middle English to create a diminutive form, making the word more informal. So, "stinky" literally means "small stink" or "smelling slightly bad," highlighting the playful and somewhat endearing nature of the word when used to describe something unpleasant.