reeky

A reeky plume of steam rises from the hot spring.

Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Emitting smoke or steam: "reeky" describes something that gives off smoke, fumes, or vapor, often in a noticeable or unpleasant way.
   • Having a strong, offensive smell: "reeky" can also refer to something that is foul-smelling, with a pungent or rank odor.

Usage Examples

• (The factory emitted a lot of smoke and fumes.)
• (The cellar had a strong, unpleasant odor.)

Advanced Usage

• "reeky breath": breath that has a very strong, unpleasant smell, often due to poor hygiene or illness.

  • After eating garlic, his reeky breath was hard to ignore. (His breath had a powerful, offensive odor.)

• "reeky air": air that is thick with smoke or foul vapors.

  • The reeky air in the tavern made her eyes sting. (The air was filled with unpleasant smoke or fumes.)

Variants and Related Words

• Reek (verb/noun): to emit smoke, steam, or a strong smell; the smoke or smell itself.
  • The room reeked of tobacco. (The room had a strong smell of tobacco.)
• Reeky (adj) is derived from "reek" and is less common than "reeking."

Synonyms

• Fetid: having a very unpleasant, stale smell.
• Malodorous: smelling very bad.
• Smoky: filled with or giving off smoke.
• Steamy: giving off steam or vapor.

Related Idioms

• Reek of something (not an idiom but a common phrase): to strongly suggest or be full of something, often negative.
  • His excuse reeks of dishonesty. (His excuse strongly suggests dishonesty.)

Note: "Reeky" is an archaic or rare word; modern English more commonly uses "reeking" (e.g., "a reeking chimney" or "reeking garbage").