Yesterday I came across a post written by my fellow blogger Sara who always introduces new words through her blog posts.This time I could not control my curiosity to know more about this strange and funny word introduced by her-Smellfungus.
I will be happy to share the story of this word with you .Here goes the story of its origin:
Smelfungus is a name given by Laurence Sterne to Tobias Smollett as author of a volume of Travels through France and Italy, for the snarling abuse Tobias heaps on the institutions and customs of the countries he visited. Tobias travelled through France and Italy in 1766 and complained about everything in his travel book. So Laurence named his character in his novel as Smelfungus.
Tobias Smollett
The term “smellfungus” (pl. “smellfungi”) thereafter passed into broader use to describe a grumbling traveller, and might even be applied to a faultfinder in general
In the 19th century Smelfungus was adopted by Thomas Carlyle as a pen-name when he had any seriously severe criticisms to offer on things, particularly those that have gone or are going to the bad.
And now the meaning according to urban dictionary:
1.a person who bitches, pisses and moans, and gripes about absolutely everything.
2. A person who complains and bicker to everyone about meaningless matters. Never finding positive in situations and try to bring mutual misery amongst people in their surroundings.
“Stop carrying the smelly fungus of jealousy as it can make you. smellfungus”???
P.S.-I may not become a champion by learning just one new word but yes,I will definitely feel good about learning something new today….
Inspired by: Sara,the proof perfectly via daily prompt: champion
What a GREAT WORD! Thanks!
Thank you Sarah….?
Thanks for the added context on Smellfungus. Can’t wait to find the next bizarre word, & hear more about its origins.
Sarah, that one is priceless! I can think of at least one person I know who fits that description perfectly!
Guy has been like that for the past 40 years and is growing worse with age! Had no idea there was a word to describe him..
Thnx for sharing.
This is very interesting ?? so glad I read your post
Thank you. I am glad too because you enjoyed my post and found it interesting ☺☺
I do too enjoy learning new words. We never know when we can use these words and seem smart ??
True??