skunk

Everyday

1. A small black-and-white animal of North America with a bushy tail, which sprays a very bad-smelling liquid when it is frightened. tree →
2. Skunk can also be an insult for a mean, dishonest person. tree →

In the lessons

In science lessons about animal defences, the skunk is a famous example: its smell keeps enemies away, and its black and white stripes warn them. In everyday life in the USA and Canada, people try not to scare skunks or let dogs chase them. Phrases: smell like a skunk, skunk spray.

Examples

• A skunk walked across our garden at night. tree →
• The dog came home smelling of skunk. tree →
• A skunk sprays when it is scared. tree →
• Skunks have black and white fur. tree →
• Skunks eat insects, eggs and berries. tree →
• Back away slowly if you see a skunk. tree →
• Its stripes warn other animals to stay away. tree →
• I have eliminated a malodorous and un-English skunk. tree →

Note

Countable: a skunk, skunks. Skunks live wild only in the Americas, not in the UK, Ireland, Australia or New Zealand. Safety: do not go near or feed a skunk; wild animals can carry rabies. Myth: tomato juice does not really remove skunk smell well; special washes work better.