Anger stinks in Seri: Olfactory metaphor in a lesser-described language

Abstract

Previous studies claim there are few olfactory metaphors cross-linguistically, especially compared to metaphors originating in the visual and auditory domains. We show olfaction can be a source for metaphor and metonymy in a lesser-described language that has rich lexical resources for talking about odors. In Seri, an isolate language of Mexico spoken by indigenous hunter-gatherers, we find a novel metaphor for emotion never previously described – “anger stinks”. In addition, distinct odor verbs are used metaphorically to distinguish volitional vs. non-volitional states-of-affairs. Finally, there is ample olfactory metonymy in Seri, especially prevalent in names for plants, but also found in names for insects and artifacts. This calls for a re-examination of better-known languages for the overlooked role olfaction may play in metaphor and metonymy. The Seri language illustrates how valuable data from understudied languages can be in highlighting novel ways by which people conceptualize themselves and their world.

Human Olfaction at the Intersection of Language, Culture, and Biology

“…Non-literal metaphorical use of smell language appears in some languages (e.g., Seri [80]) but not others (e.g., Jahai). What smell metaphors are used across languages and how common are they?…”

“…For example, smell is used metaphorically to refer to knowledge in Luwo (Sudan) [70] and is used to describe the relationship between words as part of an avoidance register in Datooga (Tanzania) [79]. Seri (a hunter-gatherer language of Mexico) has an elaborate smell lexicon and a number of specific olfactory metaphors for emotions (e.g., being angry), dreams (e.g., having a nightmare), ingestion (e.g., detesting food), activities (e.g., doing something carelessly), relationships (e.g., leaving someone without family), and the weather (e.g., being bad weather) [80]. Intriguingly, a recent study found that English smell words are primarily used figuratively, not literally (e.g., I will not make a stink over it) [37].…”

Metaphor Research and the Hebrew Bible

“…While there is disagreement as to whether or not ‘universal’ metaphors exist due to the shared human experience of embodiment (cf. Kövecses 2006), it is widely acknowledged that at least some metaphors are very common across cultures because of embodiment (e.g., O’Meara and Majid 2020). Because embodied experience varies over time or place or by individual, the ways in which embodiment constrains metaphor usage and comprehension likewise varies (Littlemore 2019).…”