foetidus
The English word "stinky" is translated into Latin as foetidus.
This adjective describes something that has a strong, unpleasant smell.
Meaning: having a strong, unpleasant smell (adj)
Which one should you use?
While foetidus is the default form, it can change based on the gender of the noun being described. Use foetida for feminine nouns and foetidum for neuter nouns.
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective must agree in gender with the noun it modifies: use the masculine foetidus, the feminine foetida or the neuter foetidum.
Did you know?
- In Latin, the word foetidus can describe not just a smell but a moral quality. A 'stinky' person in a literary sense could be someone whose character is corrupt or foul.
- In botanical Latin, which is still used in science today, the word foetidus appears in the names of plants that smell bad when crushed, such as Helleborus foetidus, the stinking hellebore.
- The related verb foetēre, 'to stink', is the source of the English word 'fetid'.
Examples in context
- Hunc foetidum odorem in hoc cubiculo tolerare non possum.I can't stand the foetid odor in this room.
- Hic locus foetidus est.This place is stinky.
- Piscis foetidus in mensa est.The stinky fish is on the table.
- Venter foetidus est.The stomach is stinky.
Example conversation
Julia and Lucius are in the kitchen.
- JuliaQuid est hoc foetidum?What is this stinky thing?
- LuciusEst caseus antiquus, Julia.It is old cheese, Julia.
- JuliaEst nimis foetidus!It is too stinky!
- LuciusSed gustus est bonus.But the taste is good.
