fétido

Fétido is a Spanish adjective that translates to "fetid" or "foul-smelling" in English. It is used to describe something that emits a very unpleasant and offensive odor, often associated with decay, decomposition, or filth. The term conveys a strong sense of putridness and is typically used for smells that are actively repulsive.

The word fétido originates from the Latin word "foetidus," which also means stinking or reeking. It is commonly employed in descriptive writing to evoke a strong sensory experience of a bad smell. For instance, one might describe a stagnant pond as having fétido water or a garbage dump as emitting a fétido aroma.

While primarily used for literal smells, fétido can also be employed metaphorically to describe something morally or ethically repulsive, though this usage is less common than its literal application. In literature and everyday conversation, it serves as a potent descriptor for a particularly noxious stench, leaving no doubt about the unpleasant nature of the smell being described. The intensity of the adjective suggests a smell that is not merely unpleasant but deeply offensive and sickening.