skunk
In real, traceable use. Part of the curated seed collection; community review is coming.
Sense 1
Meaning · English
A despicable person.
Register: dated, derogatory, slang
Where it’s used:
Used
American English
Examples
In fact, the term he applied to this species of human being was "skunk," and he used it freely.
Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30)
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).
Sense 2
Meaning · English
Anything very bad; a stinker.
Register: dated, derogatory, slang
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).
Sense 3
Meaning · English
A walkover victory in sports or board games, as when the opposing side is unable to score.
Register: slang
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).
Common questions
What does “skunk” mean?
A despicable person.
Is “skunk” formal or informal?
skunk is generally dated, derogatory, slang.