skunking
Total scoreless domination
Skunking describes a lopsided defeat where one side scores while the other scores nothing or nearly nothing—borrowed from the skunk's ability to render opponents helpless.
In cribbage, to skunk is to win by more than 30 points before your opponent reaches 91.
The term extends to other games and sports: We got skunked 8-0.
Separately, skunking refers to beer becoming light-struck, developing an off-flavor from exposure to light—the chemical reaction produces compounds similar to skunk spray.
Dispersed liquid droplets
- muskAnimal-derived fragrance base
- sulfurYellow combustible element
- noxiousHarmful, especially when inhaled
- pungentSharply strong-smelling
acrid · foul · reek · stink · malodorous · putrid · rank · tomato juice
Sudden tire failure
- mercy ruleThreshold ending uneven contests
- whitewashConceal or coat pale
- bagelBoiled, then baked roll
- goose eggSlang for zero
runaway · lopsided · rout · drubbing · trouncing · shellacking · wipeout · landslide
Spoiled by light exposure
- oxidationLosing electrons chemically
- off-flavorUndesirable taste defect
- spoiledRuined or overindulged
- green bottleTinted glass container
stale · light exposure · brown bottle · freshness · sunlight · degradation
Active during darkness
- omnivoreEats plants and animals
- burrowAnimal's dug dwelling
- black and whiteWithout middle ground
- bushy tailDense-furred rear appendage
North America · defense mechanism · roadkill · rabies · foraging · den · warning coloration · waddle
spray
Dispersed liquid droplets
- muskAnimal-derived fragrance base
- sulfurYellow combustible element
- noxiousHarmful, especially when inhaled
pungent · acrid · foul · reek · stink · malodorous · putrid · rank · tomato juice · deskunking
blowout
Sudden tire failure
- mercy ruleThreshold ending uneven contests
- whitewashConceal or coat pale
- bagelBoiled, then baked roll
goose egg · runaway · lopsided · rout · drubbing · trouncing · shellacking · wipeout · landslide · clobbering
lightstruck
Spoiled by light exposure
- oxidationLosing electrons chemically
- off-flavorUndesirable taste defect
- spoiledRuined or overindulged
green bottle · stale · light exposure · brown bottle · freshness · sunlight · degradation
nocturnal
Active during darkness
- omnivoreEats plants and animals
- burrowAnimal's dug dwelling
- black and whiteWithout middle ground
bushy tail · North America · defense mechanism · roadkill · rabies · foraging · den · warning coloration · waddle · scent marking
embarrassment
Self-conscious unease
- shamePainful awareness of failure
- disgraceLoss of honor
- mortificationIntense shame or embarrassment
degradation · mockery · ridicule · dishonor · ignominy · stigma · infamy · discredit · abasement · chagrin
- off-flavorsrancid, spoiled, sour, rotten, skunkiness
skunkingnail-biter
Suspensefully close competition
photo finish · squeaker · close game · down to the wire · narrow victory