'stinky' originates from the English word 'stink,' which comes from the Old English word 'stincan,' meaning 'to emit a strong smell.'

'stincan' transformed into the Middle English word 'stinken,' and eventually became the modern English word 'stink,' from which 'stinky' is derived.

Initially, it meant 'to emit a strong smell,' and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.