skunk
UK[skʌŋk]US[skʌŋk]
n
a small, black and white north american animal that produces a strong, unpleasant smell when it is frightened or attacked.
n
(informal, north american) a person or thing that is very bad or unpleasant.
v
(informal, north american) to defeat an opponent very badly, especially by preventing them from scoring any points.
Etymology
the word 'skunk' entered english in the 17th century, borrowed directly from indigenous algonquian languages, likely from the massachusett 'squnck' or the abenaki 'seganku'. these terms referred specifically to the animal known for its potent defensive spray. unlike many scientific or technical terms derived from classical roots, 'skunk' is a straightforward loanword that retained its original form and primary zoological meaning. its subsequent figurative uses, such as describing a contemptible person or a decisive defeat, developed in american english by metaphorically extending the animal's notorious and undesirable characteristics.
Analysis
the word is a simplex loanword from algonquian (specifically massachusett or abenaki). it does not contain separable morphemes within the english spelling system.
Examples
the smell of a skunk is powerful and difficult to remove.
he was considered a skunk for betraying his friends.
the home team was skunked, losing the game 10-0.