Where does “reeky” come from?
reeky (English) comes from English reek, from Middle English reken, from Old Norse reka, from Old Norse vreka, from Proto-Germanic wrekaną, from Proto-Indo-European wreǵ- — to work, act.
reeky (English): Soiled with smoke or steam; smoky; foul; Emitting...
Definitions
- Soiled with smoke or steam; smoky; foul; Emitting...
Ancestry of “reeky”, step by step
| Step | Language | Word | Meaning |
|---|
| 1 | English | reek | A strong unpleasant smell; Vapour; steam; smoke;... |
| 2 | Middle English | reken | to smoke; to drive; move; tend |
| 3 | Old Norse | reka | shovel; to drive |
| 4 | Old Norse | vreka | to drive |
| 5 | Proto-Germanic | wrekaną | to pursue, to drive out |
| 6 | Proto-Indo-European | wreǵ- | to work, act |