Skunks Get A Bad Rap

Very often clichés leave you scratching your head. That is the case with two clichés dealing with skunks.

 To begin with, it is not unusual to refer to someone who has hoisted a few as "drunk as a skunk". The origin of this cliché? My bet was that a drunk can smell to high heaven. Not so.  Its merely that skunk rhymes with drunk. That being the case why not "as drunk as a chipmunk". Chances are that a skunk is more apt to hold its liquor better than a chipmunk. However, since animals are known to be on the wagon, a more suitable choice of words to describe someone into his cups might be "drunk as a monk" or "drunk as a punk".  Better yet, just call him (or her) soused to the gills. Then again, the fish might object.

The second cliché that I have an issue with is "as welcome as a skunk at a lawn party". The origin of this cliché is based on fact but is as dull as dishwater. If a skunk ever showed up at a lawn party, the presence of humans would prompt him to do what he does naturally - spray to protect itself from perceived danger. Translation: some people can wreak havoc at a social gathering and should be left off the guest list.

The moral of this story? If invited to a party, don't get drunk and stink up the joint!