smells like hell

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'smells like hell' is not correct or usable in written English.
It is considered too colloquial and informal to be used in formal writing. If you want to convey a similar meaning, you could use the phrase 'smells awful', as in: "The kitchen was filled with smoke and it smelled awful."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

They leak forever, and it smells like hell," Mr. Tamaro said.

The New York Times - Science

He cited a sheep herder, a pig farmer ("smells like hell, but God bless him, he's making a great living"), and a guy who makes flower pots out of cow dung, as examples of unexpected professional contentment.

HuffPost

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Meaning that the showers at Cornerstone literally smell like hell.

The Guardian - Music

There was also an abattoir on the Queens side of the river, and sometimes it smelled like hell".

The New York Times

LAWA, THAILAND -- The villagers in this poverty-stricken farming community are passionate about their food, especially the traditional varieties of fermented fish that one aficionado describes as tasting like heaven but smelling like hell.

The New York Times

A far cry from the average person living in Didam, the small Dutch village where I grew up, he had rough dreads, smelled like hell, pushed an old wagon through town and bought cola for his pony.

Vice

It smells like mold.

The New York Times

The other smells like, well, hell.

Huffington Post

It smelled like cigarettes.

The New York Times

It smelled like rain.

The New York Times

"If you're a vegan, this is what hell smells like," he says happily, opening the door to a cooler where hams are hanging, then inhaling deeply.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In formal writing, replace "smells like hell" with more neutral alternatives like "smells awful" or "has a foul odor" to maintain a professional tone.

Common error

Avoid using "smells like hell" in formal or professional writing. This simile is too informal and can detract from your credibility. Choose a more appropriate descriptor of the smell.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "smells like hell" functions as a simile, comparing an unpleasant odor to the imagined stench of hell. It is used to vividly express the extreme unpleasantness of a smell. Ludwig marks it as non correct or usable in written English. This expression conveys a subjective sensory experience.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "smells like hell" is an informal simile used to describe a profoundly unpleasant odor. While grammatically sound, Ludwig AI identifies the phrase as unsuitable for formal contexts, recommending options such as "smells awful" or "has a foul odor" instead. Predominantly found in News & Media, this expression effectively conveys strong negative reactions, but its informality limits its application in professional or academic writing. Remember to consider your audience and the context when choosing descriptive language to ensure it aligns with the intended tone and level of formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

smells awful

A more common and slightly less intense way to describe a very bad smell, as suggested by Ludwig AI.

stinks to high heaven

An idiomatic expression that, like the original, uses hyperbole to emphasize the bad smell.

smells extremely bad

Replaces the figurative "hell" with a more literal descriptor of bad smell, reducing the intensity and informality.

smells disgusting

Similar to 'repulsive', but conveys a stronger sense of revulsion, while still avoiding the informality of 'hell'.

smells repulsive

Substitutes the evocative "hell" with a direct adjective describing the smell's unpleasantness.

smells terribly

Uses an adverb to emphasize the unpleasantness of the smell, offering a slightly more formal alternative.

smells like something died

Uses a simile, similar to the original, but replaces "hell" with a more literal, albeit still unpleasant, image.

smells putrid

Emphasizes the decaying or rotten quality of the smell, adding a layer of descriptive detail.

has a foul odor

Replaces the simile with a more direct and clinical description of the smell.

reeks

A single-word verb that implies a strong and offensive smell, suitable for less formal contexts.

FAQs

What does "smells like hell" mean?

The phrase "smells like hell" is an informal simile used to describe a very unpleasant or offensive odor. It implies the smell is extremely bad, similar to what one might imagine the smell of hell to be.

How can I use "smells like hell" in a sentence?

While grammatically correct, it's best to use "smells like hell" only in informal contexts. For example: "The sewers in New York City, they leak forever, and it "smells like hell"."

What can I say instead of "smells like hell" in formal writing?

In formal writing, consider using alternatives such as "smells awful", "has a foul odor", or "smells repulsive" to maintain a professional tone.

Is "smells like hell" grammatically correct?

Yes, "smells like hell" is grammatically correct as a simile. However, Ludwig AI identifies it as an informal expression and suggests more suitable alternatives for formal contexts.