Meaning of what does 'YOU SMELL, I STINK' mean?

Posted by Patty O'Dawes September 22, 2000In reply to Meaning of what does 'YOU SMELL, I STINK' mean? posted by SMILEY on September 21, 2000

what does 'YOU SMELL, I STINK' mean?

I believe this is a quote from Doctor Johnson.

When told that he smelled he replied 'No sir - you smell, I stink'.

Being pedantic, as Johnson was being, smelling is the act of perceiving an aroma. Stinking is giving off the aroma.

Patty