scunner

Estimated CEFR level: C2 — Proficiency

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. noun a strong dislike

Etymology

Borrowed from Scots scunner, skunner, from Old Scots skunnyr, skowner (“to shrink back; flinch”), from Middle English skoneren (“to feel sick or disgusted”), of uncertain origin. Perhaps from a frequentative of shun. If so, etymologically shun + -er (frequentative suffix). Compare also Middle English scurnen (“to flinch”), English scare, English scorn.

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