stink on ice: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘stink on ice’ mean?
The idiom "stink on ice" means something that is extremely unpleasant or undesirable. It suggests a strong, offensive odor and emphasizes the negative quality of the situation or thing being described.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "throw cold water on" means to discourage or dampen enthusiasm for an idea or plan.
The idiom "stink eye" refers to a disapproving or scornful look, often accompanied by a glare or intense gaze. It is typically used to convey strong negative emotions or to show extreme contempt or displeasure towards someone or something.
The idiom "stink a skunk off a gut wagon" means to have an extremely foul odor that is difficult to get rid of. It implies a strong and persistent stench that is hard to eliminate, much like the smell of a skunk on a garbage truck.
The idiom "stink a dog off a gut wagon" is an expression used to describe an extremely unpleasant or offensive odor. It emphasizes the intensity and repulsiveness of the smell in a humorous and exaggerated way.
The idiom "stink a buzzard off a gut wagon" means to have an exceptionally strong and offensive odor, similar to the scent emitted by a dead or decaying animal carcass.
The idiom "stick it to" means to take revenge or get back at someone by giving them a difficult or unpleasant experience. It implies confronting and defeating someone in a confrontational or powerful manner.
An idiom meaning a sensitive issue or topic that causes discomfort or irritation when discussed.
The idiom "something awful" is used to emphasize the extreme or intense nature of a situation, event, or feeling. It suggests that the thing being described is exceptionally bad, unpleasant, or severe.
The idiom "skate on thin ice" means to be in a risky or dangerous situation where the slightest mistake or wrong move could have serious consequences or lead to trouble.
Debunking the Myth
Stink on ice is an idiom used in American English to express extreme dislike or disapproval. The phrase is believed to have originated in the mid-20th century, but its exact origins are unclear. However, it is thought to have derived from the association between an unpleasant odor and ice, which can release strong smells when melted.
The idiom can be used in both literal and figurative contexts. In a literal sense, it refers to a smell that is exceptionally unpleasant, similar to the smell of something rotting. Figuratively, it is used to express contempt or distaste for a situation, person, or idea, emphasizing strong negative feelings.
While stink on ice is not as commonly used today, it can still be encountered in certain contexts, especially in regional dialects or informal speech. It is more likely to be heard in casual conversations rather than formal writing or professional settings.
It's important to consider that the idiom is informal and should be used appropriately. Its usage should be limited to informal conversations or situations where a strong negative opinion is intended to be conveyed. The idiom's impact lies in its ability to communicate a strong sense of dislike or disapproval.
While the origin of stink on ice remains a mystery, its meaning and usage are well established in the English language. This idiom is used to express extreme distaste or disapproval, either literally or figuratively. Its impact lies in its ability to convey a strong negative sentiment, and its usage should be reserved for appropriate contexts.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom "stink on ice" can be used in a sentence:
- After leaving their garbage out in the sun for a week, the trash definitely stank on ice.
- The fish that had been forgotten in the fridge for months began to stink on ice.
- When the team lost their fifteenth consecutive game, their performance truly stank on ice.
More "Colloquial" idioms
