The spelling of "bad smelling" is quite straightforward. The first word, "bad," is spelled as it sounds with a short /æ/ vowel sound followed by a voiced /d/ consonant. The second word, "smelling," is spelled with a long /ɛ/ vowel sound followed by a voiced /l/ and /ɪŋ/ suffix indicating the present participle form of the verb "to smell." In IPA phonetic transcription, "bad smelling" would be written as /bæd ˈsmɛlɪŋ/. So, it's easy to see the relationship between the spoken sound and the written word.
Bad smelling refers to an unpleasant or offensive odor that is perceived when certain substances, objects, or environments emit a foul or disagreeable smell. It is a term used to describe the characteristic aroma or stench that is generally considered as revolting or repugnant. When something is described as bad smelling, it typically evokes a negative sensory experience and is subjectively deemed as undesirable or aversive.
The perception of something as bad smelling is largely subjective, as what may be offensive to one person might not be as unpleasant to another. However, there are certain common factors that typically contribute to the categorization of a smell as bad, such as the presence of decomposing organic matter, strong chemical compounds, or the release of sulfurous gases, among others. These smells often trigger a physiological response in humans, leading to feelings of disgust, discomfort, or even nausea.
Bad smelling can be encountered in various contexts and can be associated with a wide range of sources, including spoiled food, rotting garbage, sewage, stagnant water, bodily odors, and certain types of chemicals. It is essential to distinguish between subjective judgments of odor and objective assessments of a hazardous or harmful smell, as the latter may indicate the presence of potentially dangerous substances or conditions. In some cases, bad smelling may serve as an indicator of an underlying issue or problem that requires attention, such as poor hygiene, contamination, or environmental hazards.
The word "bad smelling" is a combination of the adjective "bad" and the present participle of the verb "smell".
The word "bad" originated from the Old English word "bæddel", meaning inferior or defective. It later evolved to "bæddel" in Middle English, with the same meaning. Gradually, the term "bæddel" started to encompass a sense of something being morally wrong, malevolent, or unpleasant. This connotation has persisted in modern English, where "bad" refers to something negative or undesirable.
The verb "smell" has its roots in the Old English word "smellan", meaning to perceive by the sense of smell. This word can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic word "smuljaną", which shares the same meaning.