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putois

polecat

noun poo-TWA Rare
Animals & Nature Wild Animals

Also means

skunk (colloquial)

Usage Note

Putois is the European polecat (Mustela putorius), a small mustelid related to the weasel and ferret, known for its strong defensive odour. The word is also used informally to refer to any very smelly animal or, by extension, a person with poor hygiene. The idiom crier comme un putois (to scream like a polecat) means to yell loudly and shrilly. Note the silent final 's'.

Examples

"Le putois dégage une odeur très forte."

Natural Translation

The polecat gives off a very strong smell.

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