English

Pronunciation

• enPR: smĕlʹē, IPA^(key): /ˈsmɛli/
• Rhymes: -ɛli

Adjective

smelly ‎(comparative smellier, superlative smelliest)

1. Having a bad smell.

   She was hesitant to remove her shoes, as her socks were rather smelly.

2. (figuratively) having a quality that arouses suspicion.

   The detective read the documents and thought, "Something sure is smelly about this case".

3. (figuratively, computing, slang, in extreme programming) Of inferior quality.

   That smelly code needs to be refactored.

Synonyms

• (having a bad smell): fetid, foul-smelling, malodorous, rank, stinky (slang), whiffy (slang); see also Wikisaurus:malodorous
• (having a quality that arouses suspicion): dodgy (informal), doubtful, dubious, suspect, suspicious
• (computing: of inferior quality):

Antonyms

• (having a bad smell): aromatic, fragrant, sweet-smelling
• (having a quality that arouses suspicion): above board, clean
• (computing: of inferior quality):

Translations

Etymology 2

A comical pronunciation of the initials SMLE

Noun

smelly ‎(plural smellies)

1. (firearms, informal) a Short Magazine Lee Enfield rifle or one of its derivatives.