rancid
UK: ˈrænsɪd | US: ˈrænsɪd
adj. (of food) having a stale, sour, or unpleasant smell or taste due to decomposition.
adj. (figuratively) disagreeable or offensive in manner or character.
The word rancid traces back to Latin rancidus, which described something foul-smelling or spoiled, particularly in reference to old fats or oils. The root ranc- evokes the idea of decay, while the suffix -id solidifies it as an adjective. Over time, the term expanded metaphorically to describe anything unpleasantly stale or offensive.
The butter turned rancid after being left out in the heat.
A rancid odor filled the kitchen when the old meat was uncovered.
His rancid remarks during the debate alienated the audience.
The oil had a rancid taste, so I threw it away.
The fridge was cleaned to remove the rancid smell of spoiled milk.