niłchxon
The English word "stinky" is niłchxon in Navajo.
niłchxon is an adjective used to describe something that possesses a strong and unpleasant smell.
Meaning: having a strong, unpleasant smell (adj)
Did you know?
- The word niłchxon contains an emphatic infix -x- which serves to intensify the unpleasantness of the scent. This is like adding 'really' or 'extremely' directly into the middle of the word itself.
- The term can be used to describe not just physical odors, but can sometimes carry metaphorical weight in describing things that are 'bad' or 'unpleasant' in character.
- The root of niłchxon is the verb chąąʼ, which means 'to smell'. While English uses different words for the sense of smelling and the quality of a scent, Navajo often builds adjectives directly from the verb of the action.
Example conversation
Amanda and Brandon are looking at a trash can.
- AmandaBrandon, niłchxon tʼáá ákótʼé.Brandon, it is very stinky.
- BrandonÁáá, niłchxon tʼééʼ.Oh, it really is stinky.
- AmandaDoo tʼáá ákótʼé da.It is not good.
- BrandonShił nishłééh.I will take it out.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries niłchxon, CC BY-SA 4.0.
