Skunk
/skʌŋk/noun
A small to medium-sized mammal known for its distinctive black and white coloration and strong odor.
Did you know?The word 'skunk' comes from the Algonquian word 'seganku', which means 'one that squirts', linking it to the animal's notorious defense mechanism.
Etymological Timeline
Algonquian
Algonquian
seganku
“one that squirts, referring to its spray.”
17th Century
English
skunk
“adopted from Algonquian, referring to the animal known for its foul smell.”
18th Century
English
skunk
“used in a broader context to denote someone unpleasant or dishonorable.”
Modern English
English
skunk
“retains its original meaning, while also being used colloquially to describe cannabis.”