When someone says they "smell fish" (or that something "smells fishy"), it is an idiomatic expression that means they are suspicious about a situation [1]. The phrase suggests that something is amiss, untrustworthy, or potentially dishonest, much like the unpleasant odor of spoiled fish indicates something is not right [2].
The phrase 'Fishy Smell' or “Something Smells Fishy” is used when something seems suspicious. Example of Use: “When I heard his account of the car crash, I noticed a bit of a fishy smell; he was obviously not telling the truth.”
idiom informal. Add to word list Add to word list. If a situation or an explanation smells fishy, it causes you to think that someone is being dishonest. Not believable.
Trimethylaminuria is a disorder in which the body is unable to break down trimethylamine, a chemical compound that has a pungent odor. Trimethylamine has been described as smelling like rotten or decaying fish.
Idioms. Be suspect or suspicious, as in His explanation definitely smells fishy; my guess is that he's lying. This idiom alludes to the fact that fresh fish have no odor but stale or rotten ones do. [ Early 1800s]
BV is responsible for the fishy smell most commonly associated with unpleasant vaginal odors. The fishy smell may be especially strong after sex. Another common symptom to look out for with BV is a gray or grayish-white discharge. Trichomoniasis: A sexually transmitted infection caused by a parasite.
It's more than a metaphor. The subtle scent of rotting fish raises suspicion. We don't only become suspicious of the fishy smell itself, but to whatever task that happens to be occupying our attention.
We get it — it's a common problem, but sometimes it can make you self-conscious (“wait, can other people smell that, too?!”) and affect your confidence. Inner thigh odor is caused by various factors, including excessive sweating, fungal infections, poor hygiene, and hormonal changes.
The main symptom of Trimethylaminuria is a strong odour that may be described as smelling like rotten fish, eggs, rubbish, or urine. The smell is usually noticeable in your sweat, urine, and breath.
When we get dehydrated, the components that give urine its distinctive odor become concentrated. The ammonia smell can become quite strong. In large enough concentrations, it can even start to smell fishy, because ammonia is the same compound that makes rotting fish smell the way it does.
Poor Hygiene & Sweating
Considering that a woman's genital area contains a large collection of sweat glands, it is no surprise that the vaginal area can be prone to sweating, which can emanate as a fishy smell in some women if left unwashed. The body contains two types of sweat glands – the apocrine and eccrine.
Diabetes: Diabetes is one of the most well-known health conditions linked to changes in body odor. People with uncontrolled diabetes can experience a fruity or acetone-like smell (think nail polish remover) on their breath or skin.
Unexplained Fishy Smell at Home: Causes and Advice
Check for hidden mold, plumbing issues, or spoiled seafood. Sometimes, certain medical conditions can alter smell perception. Ensure proper ventilation and clean areas prone to moisture.
If you say something is fishy, it probably means you think something is suspicious. If you're sitting next to someone eating a tuna sandwich, though, you could just mean you smell a fishy odor. Fishy usually refers to situations that seem suspect or shady. A guy looking over your shoulder while you use an ATM is fishy.
Here are some of the best home remedies for addressing fishy odor.
Sweet smell: Normal semen can have a slightly sweet smell due to fructose. However, an especially sweet smell can be an early warning sign of diabetes. Fishy smell: A fishy smell is not normal. Semen with a fishy odor can be a sign of an STI.
Disease Overview
Trimethylaminuria (TMAU) is a rare disorder in which the body is not able to metabolize the chemical trimethylamine, and this causes body odor. Trimethylamine has a characteristic rotten fish smell.
Because many patients have associated body odours or halitosis, trimethylaminuria sufferers can meet serious difficulties in a social context, leading to other problems such as isolation and depression.
How is trimethylaminuria diagnosed? A urine test is used to diagnose trimethylaminuria. The person's urine is tested to look for higher levels of trimethylamine. Testing can be done by giving choline by mouth followed by urine collection a certain number of times over a 24 hour period.
Bacterial vaginitis (BV)
This is a bacterial infection that can occur when the balance in the vagina is disturbed. This is when bacteria proliferate and excessive vaginal discharge appears, which can be white, grey or green in colour. Such discharge is accompanied by a strong fishy smell and itching and burning.
Sweating and body odor most often affect the underarm and groin areas, the palms, the bottom of the feet, and the head, face and scalp. It's common for some people to sweat more or less than other people. Body odor also can vary from person to person. It might smell tangy, oniony, sour or some other strong odor.
Bleach or ammonia: If you notice a slightly chemical smell that smells like cleaning products, this could be a sign that you're dehydrated. Urine contains ammonia and when you're dehydrated those levels can build up, causing a smell when you wipe.
Urine that smells fishy is not typical, but many of the causes are mild or treatable. Certain supplements, medications, or foods may change how urine smells. Some infections, such as UTIs or BV, can also cause this symptom.
The term "smell something fishy" means to be suspicious of something or to detect that something isn't quite right.
These psychrophilic — or cold-loving — bacteria convert TMAO to trimethylamine (TMA), the molecule responsible for the signature fishy, ammonia-like smell. Cold-water species, like cod and haddock, may develop this smell from TMA faster than others, Decker said.