funny smells

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "funny smells" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe odors that are unusual, amusing, or unexpected, often in a lighthearted context. Example: "As we entered the old house, we were greeted by a series of funny smells that made us laugh and wonder what had been cooking there."

✓ Grammatically correct

General discussions about odors

Describing unpleasant or unusual situations

Figurative use to indicate something is wrong

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

Plenty of things will grab a dog's attention: squirrels, tennis balls, funny smells, other dogs.

The New York Times

"Mainly," says Lanchester, "they were funny smells to do with things which were just too good to be true".

The Guardian - Books

In Hambrecht's view consumers' and policymakers' command of chemistry is frequently limited to vague memories of exploding beakers and funny smells in a high school laboratory.

Forbes

I'd always have to prepare myself for the bus's funny smells and general discomfort.

Vice

Don't walk in with greasy hair and funny smells!

WikiHow

Tea absorbs smell rather easily; thus, if improperly kept, the tea can pick up funny smells from anything: cooking smells, spices, etc.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

"It has a funny smell.

The New Yorker

I mentioned the funny smell.

The New Yorker

That funny smell and briny taste come from rocks.

The Washington Post

The look and the sound of science... but it does have a funny smell.

The New Yorker

An hour or so later my elder daughter noticed a funny smell.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "funny smells" to describe a situation figuratively, ensure the context clearly indicates that you're implying something is amiss or suspicious, not just amusing.

Common error

Avoid using "funny smells" in contexts where a literal description of an odor is intended if the odor is not actually humorous or unusual. Instead, opt for more descriptive terms like "foul odor" or "strange scent".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "funny smells" functions primarily as a descriptive noun phrase. It modifies a noun (implied or explicit) by describing its olfactory characteristics. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound. Examples show its use in describing literal scents and figurative senses.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

33%

Formal & Business

17%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "funny smells" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe unusual or suspicious odors. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. Its usage spans from literal descriptions of scents to figurative implications of something being amiss. While adaptable to different registers, it appears most frequently in news and media, as well as in wiki and informal contexts. When using this phrase, consider whether the intention is to convey amusement, suspicion, or simply an unusual olfactory experience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Strange odors

Focuses on the unusual nature of the smells, without necessarily implying amusement.

Peculiar scents

Highlights the distinctiveness and oddity of the smells.

Odd aromas

Similar to 'peculiar scents' but may suggest a more pervasive smell.

Unusual fragrances

Emphasizes the unexpected nature of the scents.

Suspicious odors

Suggests the smells are a cause for concern or investigation.

Questionable aromas

Similar to 'suspicious odors', implying doubt or uncertainty about the origin.

Dubious smells

Indicates that the smells are of uncertain origin or quality.

Weird scents

A more informal way to describe unusual or bizarre smells.

Bizarre fragrances

Emphasizes the strangeness and abnormality of the smells.

Off-putting odors

Focuses on the unpleasant and repulsive nature of the smells.

FAQs

What does "funny smells" mean?

The phrase "funny smells" can refer to odors that are unusual, amusing, or unexpected. It's often used in a lighthearted way, but it can also imply that something is suspicious or wrong.

How can I use "funny smells" in a sentence?

You can say, "As we entered the old house, we were greeted by a series of "funny smells" that made us laugh and wonder what had been cooking there." Or, "The deal sounded good, but there were "funny smells" around it, so I decided not to invest."

What can I say instead of "funny smells"?

You can use alternatives like "strange odors", "peculiar scents", or "odd aromas" depending on the context.

When should I use "funny smells" instead of "bad smells"?

Use "funny smells" when the odor is unusual or makes you question its origin, rather than simply being unpleasant. "Bad smells" is more appropriate when the odor is clearly offensive or foul.