rotten eggs

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "rotten eggs" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to something that is bad, unpleasant, or spoiled. For example, "The food at that diner was so bad it smelled like rotten eggs."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Anyway, there are some really fun entries to be seen here: I loved ROTTEN EGGS (the entry, not real rotten eggs) and SAME OLD STORY.

The New York Times

Or rotten eggs.

The New York Times

"It's worse than rotten eggs.

The New York Times

"It smells like rotten eggs".

The New York Times

It also smells like rotten eggs.

The New York Times

"There's a reason flies swarm over rotten eggs".

The New York Times

"It smells like rotten eggs, but it's awesome".

The New York Times - Travel

Rich in hydrogen sulfide, they smell like sour, rotten eggs.

The New York Times

No need to fish out rotten eggs or decaying flesh.

The New Yorker

"O.K., why does it smell like rotten eggs?

The New York Times

The smell, unfortunately, has turned out to be rotten eggs.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing an unpleasant smell, use "rotten eggs" to immediately convey the sulfurous, decaying odor.

Common error

Avoid using "rotten eggs" in highly formal or professional writing. While the phrase is widely understood, it can sound informal or even crude in certain contexts. Opt for more neutral descriptions of decay or unpleasantness.

Linguistic Context

"Rotten eggs" primarily functions as a noun phrase, often used as a descriptive term to characterize an unpleasant odor or, metaphorically, to describe something undesirable or corrupt. Ludwig AI validates this usage through numerous examples demonstrating its role in descriptive contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "rotten eggs" is a common and readily understood descriptor, primarily used to denote an unpleasant, sulfurous odor often associated with decay or the presence of hydrogen sulfide. Ludwig AI confirms that it's grammatically correct and widely used. While its register leans towards neutral to informal, making it suitable for news and general conversation, it should be used cautiously in more formal settings. Its frequent appearance in news media and scientific contexts demonstrates its broad applicability, though overuse should be avoided. When describing something as smelling like "rotten eggs", it immediately conveys a strong and negative sensory impression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

spoiled eggs

Replaces 'rotten' with 'spoiled', indicating a similar state of decay.

bad eggs

Uses 'bad' as a general term for something undesirable, similar to 'rotten'.

decomposed eggs

Emphasizes the process of decay more explicitly.

foul eggs

Replaces 'rotten' with 'foul', highlighting the unpleasant nature.

rancid eggs

Indicates a strong, unpleasant smell or taste associated with spoilage.

tainted eggs

Suggests the eggs have been contaminated or corrupted.

corrupt eggs

Implies a moral decay or impurity, metaphorically similar to physical spoilage.

putrid eggs

Highlights the advanced stage of decomposition and its offensive smell.

off eggs

A more colloquial way of saying the eggs are no longer good.

unwholesome eggs

Emphasizes the lack of healthiness or safety for consumption.

FAQs

How can I describe the smell of "rotten eggs" more precisely?

You can use terms like "sulfurous", "decaying", or "putrid" to provide a more detailed description of the odor. Alternatively, refer to the chemical compound responsible for the smell, hydrogen sulfide.

What does it mean when something is described as smelling like "rotten eggs"?

It typically indicates the presence of hydrogen sulfide, a gas produced by the decomposition of organic matter or found in certain natural gas deposits. It signifies a bad smell, often associated with decay or sewage.

Are there situations where the smell of "rotten eggs" is normal?

Yes, some natural hot springs and volcanic areas emit a sulfurous odor similar to "rotten eggs" due to the presence of hydrogen sulfide in the water and air. It can also be present in industrial settings where sulfur compounds are processed.

What are some other ways to say "bad eggs"?

Other ways to say "bad eggs" include "troublemakers", "untrustworthy individuals", or "corrupt people", depending on the context.