skvrnu

skvrnu is a Czech term that translates to "stain" or "spot" in English. It can refer to a physical mark on a surface, such as a wine stain on a tablecloth or a ink spot on paper. In a figurative sense, skvrnu can also denote a moral blemish or a mark on someone's reputation, implying something that is difficult to remove or erase.

The word is derived from the Proto-Slavic root *skvrn-, related to concepts of dirt, pollution, or corruption. In its literal application, it describes an undesirable discoloration or mark. For instance, one might speak of removing a skvrna from clothing or cleaning a skvrna from a floor.

Figuratively, skvrnu carries a stronger connotation of something negative and persistent. It can be used to describe a past wrongdoing that continues to affect someone's character or public perception. For example, a politician might try to overcome a political skvrna from a past scandal. The idea is that this stain, whether literal or metaphorical, compromises the purity or integrity of the object or person. The term is common in everyday Czech conversation and literature, reflecting its versatile application in describing both physical and abstract imperfections.