Pung

A sharp, biting, or acrid quality, often referring to a smell, taste, or sensation. It can describe a sudden, unpleasant, or intense sensation that stimulates the senses. The word highlights the strength and often negative impact of the experience. It can also be used figuratively to describe sharp wit or a cutting remark. In a broader sense, 'pung' suggests something that is piercing, impactful, and leaves a strong impression, be it physical or emotional. It's about something that aggressively engages with your perception.

Pung meaning with examples

• The air in the room held a distinct pung of ammonia, making it difficult to breathe and causing everyone to cough. Its overpowering nature made it clear the situation needed immediate attention, triggering a rapid response. Nobody could deny the sharpness, as it was hard to take in the surroundings because of the heavy presence of the smell.
• The chili had a pung that immediately set my mouth on fire, a spicy jolt that was both painful and enjoyable for its intensity. I could feel it reach and grab the base of my tongue! The chef had clearly been liberal with the peppers, which quickly became a very memorable experience and conversation starter for the family.
• The comedian’s jokes had a pung that cut through the room, sharp and often uncomfortable, but undeniably witty. He often made remarks that hit a little too close to home, but they were funny. His observational humor left the audience in stitches. You could feel the tension building, then the laughter erupting.
• The bitter pung of disappointment hung in the air after the team lost the game. It was palpable, a sour taste that lingered long after the final whistle. The players were visibly dejected, each carrying their own sense of failure. The air thickened with unmet expectations, impacting everyone within the stadium.
• The stagnant water in the ditch emitted a foul pung that repelled anyone who ventured near. Its terrible smell gave indication that something rotten was within, and served as a powerful warning not to get any closer. Its offensive odor clearly indicated that something was seriously wrong, making its smell a definitive environmental marker.