pong
/pɑŋ/
Word Rarity
Rare
Frequency: Zipf frequency 3.45 in modern English
7
Scrabble Score
4
Letters
1
Syllables
4
Unique Chars
Meaning
verb
To deliver a line of a play in an arch, suggestive or unnatural way, so as to draw undue attention to it.
Derogatory; Slang
noun
Alternative form of pung.
Example Sentences
- "Carrot ran past him to get to the barrel first, and peered down at the cowering Catweazle. “No rats, Dad,” he said. “What's that terrible pong, then?” said Mr Bennett, sniffing."
- "1992, Bryce Courtenay, Tandia, Volume 1, 2011, Read How You Want, page 109, She sniffed, squiffing up her nose. ‘What a pong! Do they all smell like this?’"
- "I can remember calling round once and when she answered the door I was greeted by an unmistakable, noxious pong. “I can smell gas!” I said. “Oh, have I left the ring on?” she asked vaguely."
- "2000, Susan Sallis, 2011, unnumbered page, ‘I see what you mean about the pong. I couldn′t smell it on myself but I can smell it on you!’"
- "If you want to empty a crowded room strong body pong will usually do the trick."
- "“Give them a drink of this and thy father shall see them as they are. They shall speak from their black hearts.” “Pongs a bit,” sniffed Carrot. “Sure it's not poisonous?”"
Etymology
Regional Pronunciation
- American English: /pɑŋ/
- British English: /pɒŋ/
Usage
- British usage
- Slang
- Derogatory
- Intransitive verb