How do we describe smells?

Aug 27, 2026 7 min

About this episode

What is the worst smell in the world? And what is the best smell? Are there any smells that you like, but that your friends or family hate? Smells are all around us all the time, but the English language is often quite general in the way it describes smells, as opposed to other senses like sounds or tastes. But why is this? Neil and Georgie discuss this and teach you some new vocabulary.Get a free worksheet, quiz and transcript for this episode: <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english_2026/ep-260827">https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english_2026/ep-260827</a>Practise your listening with The Listening Room here: <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the_listening_room">https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the_listening_room</a>Subscribe to our newsletters here: <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/send/u178220599">https://www.bbc.co.uk/send/u178220599</a>

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