SKUNK Meaning and
Definition
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Skunk is a noun that refers to a small, black and white mammal native to North and Central America, known for its strong-smelling secretion and distinctive appearance. Scientifically classified as a member of the family Mephitidae and the order Carnivora, skunks are recognizable by their elongated bodies, short legs, and distinctive pattern of white stripes extending from their faces down their backs. Skunks are primarily nocturnal animals and adopt a primarily solitary lifestyle.
The most recognizable feature of skunks is their potent odor. When a skunk feels threatened or provoked, it can release a strong-smelling liquid called musk from glands located near its anus. This foul-smelling secretion is used as a defense mechanism to deter predators and can cause a lingering, pungent odor. The scent is highly resilient and difficult to eliminate.
Skunks are omnivores, feeding on a variety of foods including insects, rodents, fruits, and plants. They have adapted to different habitats and are commonly found in forests, grasslands, and suburban areas. Despite their notorious scent, skunks are generally docile animals that will only spray when they feel threatened or cornered.
In slang usage, the term "skunk" can also refer to a person or thing that is considered a failure, disappointment, or of low quality. This colloquialism is derived from the unpleasant association of the skunk's odor.
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An Amer. animal, allied to the weasel, which has the power of ejecting an intolerably fetid liquor.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Top Common Misspellings for SKUNK *
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
Other Common Misspellings for SKUNK
Etymology of SKUNK
The word "skunk" originates from the Abenaki language, which is an Algonquian language spoken by the indigenous Abenaki people in northeastern North America, particularly in Vermont, New Hampshire, and Quebec. In Abenaki, the term is "seganku" or "seangki" meaning "he who squirts" or "he who ejects". This term was later adopted into English as "skunk" to describe the North American mammal known for its distinct odor and defensive spray.
Idioms with the word SKUNK
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drunk as a skunk, at drunk as a lord
The idiom "drunk as a skunk" refers to someone who is extremely intoxicated, typically beyond the point of being able to control their actions or speech. The phrase "drunk as a lord" also means the same thing, depicting someone who is excessively drunk. Both idioms emphasize the state of being heavily intoxicated.
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as drunk as a lord/skunk
The idiom "as drunk as a lord/skunk" is used to describe someone who is extremely intoxicated or heavily under the influence of alcohol. The phrase humorously implies that the person's level of drunkenness is on par with that of a lord or skunk, emphasizing the extent to which they are intoxicated.
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(as) drunk as a skunk
The idiom "as drunk as a skunk" is used to describe someone who is extremely intoxicated or heavily under the influence of alcohol. Skunks are often associated with a strong, unpleasant odor, so this expression humorously highlights the intensity of someone's drunkenness.
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drunk as a skunk
The idiom "drunk as a skunk" is used to describe someone who is extremely intoxicated or heavily under the influence of alcohol. Skunks are known for their distinct odor and wobbly movements when threatened, which can be likened to the behavior and unsteadiness of someone who is heavily drunk.
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Let every man skin his own skunk
The idiom "Let every man skin his own skunk" means that individuals should take responsibility for their own problems, mistakes, or tasks without relying on or burdening others for assistance. It suggests that one should handle their own challenges independently.
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skunk at a garden party
The idiom "skunk at a garden party" refers to a person who spoils or ruins a pleasant or enjoyable event by their presence, behavior, or actions. The term suggests that this individual is inappropriate, disruptive, or offensive, just like a skunk would be to a beautiful garden party.
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skunk-drunk
"Skunk-drunk" is an informal expression used to describe being extremely intoxicated or drunk. It implies being in a state of heavy inebriation, like a skunk that has ingested too much alcohol.
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drunk as a lord (or skunk)
The idiom "drunk as a lord (or skunk)" means to be extremely intoxicated or drunk. It is often used to describe someone who is very drunk, to the point of being unable to function properly. The comparison to a lord or a skunk emphasizes the level of intoxication and lack of control.
Similar spelling words for SKUNK
Conjugate verb Skunk
CONDITIONAL
I
would skunk
you
would skunk
he/she/it
would skunk
we
would skunk
they
would skunk
CONDITIONAL CONTINUOUS
I
would be skunking
you
would be skunking
he/she/it
would be skunking
we
would be skunking
they
would be skunking
CONDITIONAL PERFECT
I
would have skunk
you
would have skunk
he/she/it
would have skunk
we
would have skunk
they
would have skunk
CONDITIONAL PERFECT CONTINUOUS
I
would have been skunking
you
would have been skunking
he/she/it
would have been skunking
we
would have been skunking
they
would have been skunking
FUTURE
I
will skunk
you
will skunk
he/she/it
will skunk
we
will skunk
they
will skunk
FUTURE CONTINUOUS
I
will be skunking
you
will be skunking
he/she/it
will be skunking
we
will be skunking
they
will be skunking
FUTURE PERFECT
I
will have skunked
you
will have skunked
he/she/it
will have skunked
we
will have skunked
they
will have skunked
FUTURE PERFECT CONTINUOUS
I
will have been skunking
you
will have been skunking
he/she/it
will have been skunking
we
will have been skunking
they
will have been skunking
IMPERATIVE
you
skunk
we
let´s skunk
to skunk
PAST
I
skunked
you
skunked
he/she/it
skunked
we
skunked
they
skunked
PAST CONTINUOUS
I
was skunking
you
were skunking
he/she/it
was skunking
we
were skunking
they
were skunking
PAST PARTICIPLE
skunked
PAST PERFECT
I
had skunked
you
had skunked
he/she/it
had skunked
we
had skunked
they
had skunked
PAST PERFECT CONTINUOUS
I
had been skunking
you
had been skunking
he/she/it
had been skunking
we
had been skunking
they
had been skunking
PRESENT
I
skunk
you
skunk
he/she/it
skunks
we
skunk
they
skunk
PRESENT CONTINUOUS
I
am skunking
you
are skunking
he/she/it
is skunking
we
are skunking
they
are skunking
PRESENT PARTICIPLE
skunking
PRESENT PERFECT
I
have skunked
you
have skunked
he/she/it
has skunked
we
have skunked
they
have skunked
PRESENT PERFECT CONTINUOUS
I
have been skunking
you
have been skunking
he/she/it
has been skunking
we
have been skunking
they
have been skunking
I
would have skunked
we
would have skunked
you
would have skunked
he/she/it
would have skunked
they
would have skunked
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