The phrase "smelling of" is composed of two words - "smelling" and "of". The first word, "smelling", is pronounced as /ˈsmɛlɪŋ/ in IPA phonetic transcription. The /s/ sound at the beginning is followed by the short e vowel sound /ɛ/ and the consonant blend /m/ + /l/. Finally, the word ends with the /ɪŋ/ sound, indicating that it is a present participle. The word "of" is pronounced as /ʌv/ in IPA phonetic transcription, with a short u sound /ʌ/ followed by the consonant /v/. Together, these words form the phrase "smelling of".
The term "smelling of" refers to an olfactory perception, describing the particular odor or scent emanating from a person, object, or place. It is commonly used to convey a distinct smell or fragrance associated with something. This expression indicates the presence of noticeable olfactory cues that can be detected through one's sense of smell.
When something is described as "smelling of," it signifies that a particular smell is apparent or predominant. The phrase is often used to depict a specific aroma that is distinguishable, whether pleasant or unpleasant, from the surrounding environment. For instance, if a room is described as "smelling of freshly brewed coffee," it suggests that the distinctive odor of coffee emanates from it.
Furthermore, "smelling of" can also imply an action or state that results in a perceptible scent. For example, if a person is described as "smelling of flowers," it conveys the impression that they have come into contact with floral elements, imparting a fragrant odor to their body or clothing.
Overall, "smelling of" is a descriptive term that encapsulates the olfactory attributes of a person, object, or place, notable for emitting a discernible and distinct aroma. This phrase aids in articulating specific scents and plays a significant role in sensory perception and communication.
The term "smelling of" does not have an etymology of its own, as it is a combination of two separate words: "smelling" and "of". However, we can explore the etymology of these individual words.
- "Smelling": The word "smell" comes from the Old English word "smele" which meant "to smell, scent, or emit or perceive an odor". It can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic word "smuljanan", meaning "to emit smoke" or "to smolder". It is also related to the Old High German word "smelon" and the Old Norse word "smjúga".
- "Of": The word "of" is derived from the Old English preposition "of", which indicated possession or origin. It has roots in the Proto-Germanic word "af", meaning "away" or "from".