"Hediondo" is used in the Spanish language to describe something that emits a strong and unpleasant odor. It is often used to refer to decaying organic matter, bad hygiene, or any situation that has a particularly offensive smell. The term can be employed both in literal contexts (like describing trash or spoiled food) and metaphorical contexts (to convey a sense of moral corruption or unpleasantness).
The frequency of use for "hediondo" leans more toward written contexts, especially in literary or descriptive scenarios. However, it can also appear in colloquial speech when discussing particularly unpleasant smells.
La basura hedionda estaba acumulada en la esquina.
The foul-smelling trash was piled up in the corner.
No puedo entrar en esa habitación; huele a hediondo.
I can't enter that room; it smells stinky.
El pescado en el mercado estaba hediondo y poco atractivo.
The fish at the market was malodorous and unappealing.
While "hediondo" is not as commonly used in idiomatic expressions, there are phrases that evoke similar meanings related to smell or unpleasantness. Below are some idiomatic contexts:
El asunto se volvió hediondo, y todos quisieron alejarse.
The matter turned foul-smelling, and everyone wanted to distance themselves.
Siempre que hay un hediondo en la habitación, sabemos que la cocina está sucia.
Whenever there is a stinky smell in the room, we know the kitchen is dirty.
Ese perro tiene un hediondo que me hace evitarlo.
That dog has a stinky odor that makes me avoid it.
Las excusas se volvieron hediondas y ya nadie las cree.
The excuses turned foul-smelling, and nobody believes them anymore.
The term "hediondo" comes from the Latin "fœtidus," which means 'foul-smelling' or 'disgusting.' The evolution of the word reflects the notion of strong, unpleasant odors, maintaining its core sense through the ages.
In summary, "hediondo" describes an unpleasant smell and can be used both literally and metaphorically. While it may not be prevalent in idiomatic expressions, its connotation is powerful in both evaluative language and descriptive contexts.