The word "reeky" is spelled as /ˈriːki/ in IPA phonetic transcription. This word is an adjective that means giving off a strong or unpleasant smell. The letter "ee" represents a long "e" sound while the letter "k" represents a hard "k" sound. The letter "y" serves as a vowel in this word and represents a sound similar to the long "e". This spelling accurately represents the pronunciation of the word "reeky" and helps readers and learners understand its meaning and usage.
Reeky is an adjective that describes something that emits a strong and unpleasant odor, typically associated with smoke, fumes, or dampness. When used in this sense, it suggests a pungent, foul-smelling quality that can be quite overpowering and repugnant to the senses.
In a literal sense, reeky can refer to a place or environment that is filled with a foul smell, often attributed to the presence of smoke from burning materials, such as a reeky kitchen or a reeky basement. It can also describe an object or substance that exudes a nauseating or acrid odor, such as reeky garbage or reeky chemicals.
Moreover, reeky can be used metaphorically to describe something or someone that has negative connotations or creates an unfavorable impression. For example, a person can be said to have a reeky reputation, indicating that they are associated with dishonesty, scandal, or disreputable behavior. Similarly, in a figurative sense, reeky can describe an idea, policy, or situation that has undesirable, objectionable, or ethically questionable qualities.
Overall, the term reeky is primarily used to emphasize the offensiveness or unpleasantness of a smell or a specific context, both in a literal and figurative sense. It conveys a sense of intense and disagreeable odors or negative attributes that elicit strong negative reactions or judgments.
Smoky; soiled with smoke or vapour.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "reeky" can be traced back to Middle English, where it was spelled as "reky". It originated from the Old Norse word "reykr", meaning "smoke" or "smoke vapor". In Old English, it was spelled as "recan", which meant "to emit smoke". Over time, the spelling evolved to "reek" in Middle English, before eventually becoming "reeky" in its current form. The word describes something that emits a pungent or unpleasant smell, often associated with smoke or other malodorous fumes.