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Original poster

Honking of body odour!

115 replies

Manatee50 · 06/10/2025 19:16

Is it just me noticing but there seems honking body odour permeating the air. Are people just not washing? Or is a thing to reek ? It seems tubes, buses, streets have are filled with people with stifling B.O.

OP posts:
xxlostxx · 07/10/2025 02:10

There have always been smelly people. I think this time of year when it starts off cold of a morning, then can get really warm add to it.

WishinAndHopin · 07/10/2025 02:03

Public transport has always smelled bad. Young boys and men are almost always the culprits.

One adolescent boy smelled so strongly it was stinging my nose and throat like chlorine from the other end of the bus.

bluebettyy · 07/10/2025 01:51

Friendlygingercat · 06/10/2025 22:26

Honking = disgusting expression.

What about stanking?

Strongstuff · 07/10/2025 01:43

GarlicBreadStan · 06/10/2025 21:44

I'm 27. For as long as I can remember, I've suffered from really bad B.O. I genuinely don't smoke weed, but my sweat smells exactly like weed. The GP said it's due to bacteria, and I tried some prescription anti perspirant and it didn't help. I really need to go back to the GP about it, but it's almost more mortifying to talk to the GP about it than it is to just grin and bear the fact I smell so bad.

I wear thick coats and hoodies to mask the smell as much as possible. I even wash my armpits with antibacterial hand wash and I use anti perspirant after every shower. Nothing seems to help. I sweat excessively too (and it wasn't any better when I was skinnier, either).

I know I smell, and it's mortifying, but it's so hard to keep going back to the GP, too.

Gosh, poor you @GarlicBreadStan that must be really difficult. I suffer with hyperhydrosis but thankfully it only smells if stale (boomerang smells as per the ad!) so I have to be scrupulous never to wear stuff twice without washing it and throwing stuff out frequently, which is gutting and very expensive ☹️

I did see rave reviews about something called Sweatblock wipes recently - only available from the States though, so again very expensive, but I am going to try it as apparently can stop you sweating for up to a week!

SouthernNights59 · 07/10/2025 01:36

Indicateyourintentions · 06/10/2025 23:17

I think it’s washing the clothes at low temperatures that fails to kill the bacteria. You don’t smell when everything goes on fresh but as you warm up the bacteria warms up and then honking all round!

In some countries washing clothes in cold water is normal, people don't smell.

70sMuuMuu · 07/10/2025 01:31

GarlicBreadStan · 06/10/2025 21:44

I'm 27. For as long as I can remember, I've suffered from really bad B.O. I genuinely don't smoke weed, but my sweat smells exactly like weed. The GP said it's due to bacteria, and I tried some prescription anti perspirant and it didn't help. I really need to go back to the GP about it, but it's almost more mortifying to talk to the GP about it than it is to just grin and bear the fact I smell so bad.

I wear thick coats and hoodies to mask the smell as much as possible. I even wash my armpits with antibacterial hand wash and I use anti perspirant after every shower. Nothing seems to help. I sweat excessively too (and it wasn't any better when I was skinnier, either).

I know I smell, and it's mortifying, but it's so hard to keep going back to the GP, too.

Hi @GarlicBreadStan I know you probably researched this yourself, but I think this (weed smell) can be caused by terpenes being broken down in your sweat. I think, although not a cure, reducing strong, smelling food, like garlic and onion, can actually help with this. Anyway, I’m sure you’ve looked into this yourself, but just in case!

70sMuuMuu · 07/10/2025 01:27

Xevebabe · 06/10/2025 23:04

I have/had awful BO bacteria. If you have sticky ear wax then it’s in your genes to be predisposed.

Super weird but if you have a non smelly partner then get non crème stick antiperspirant and ask to share. You will pick up your partners biome and it makes a massive difference. When I start to smell again I check which stick my partners been using and it’s always that he’s not been using it/ using a different one.

Sounds so weird but I am not joking. It does work and it’s clinically proven.
https://www.newscientist.com/article/2120923-stinky-armpits-bacteria-from-a-less-smelly-person-can-fix-them/

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This is fascinating, the only problem is my partner is so unstinky that he doesn’t even need to wear deodorant. I think I might need to attack him with mine! I wonder if there’s a risk of the opposite issue though and he gets my substandard biome?!

Flomingho · 07/10/2025 01:20

I notice it a lot this time of year, maybe some people are washing less than they should because the weather is colder along with not drying clothes properly. It is horrible though.

rosyvalentine · 07/10/2025 01:10

TheDevilFindsWorkForIdleMums · 07/10/2025 00:29

The infiltration of man made fibres really doesn't help and the fuckers are sneaky with it. Even decent brands I'm finding I'm having to check the label.....I stick to 100% cotton or wool because I stink otherwise and I won't be the only one.

Agree with this. It's difficult to find clothes made of natural fibres these days without paying a fortune.

NorthenAdventure · 07/10/2025 01:03

GarlicBreadStan · 06/10/2025 21:44

I'm 27. For as long as I can remember, I've suffered from really bad B.O. I genuinely don't smoke weed, but my sweat smells exactly like weed. The GP said it's due to bacteria, and I tried some prescription anti perspirant and it didn't help. I really need to go back to the GP about it, but it's almost more mortifying to talk to the GP about it than it is to just grin and bear the fact I smell so bad.

I wear thick coats and hoodies to mask the smell as much as possible. I even wash my armpits with antibacterial hand wash and I use anti perspirant after every shower. Nothing seems to help. I sweat excessively too (and it wasn't any better when I was skinnier, either).

I know I smell, and it's mortifying, but it's so hard to keep going back to the GP, too.

Have you tried Driclor??

FortuneFaded · 07/10/2025 00:57

Not so much BO, but a lot of places smell of weed. There was a strong smell in the posh village within a city the other day. They can stick that in their house prices.

TheDevilFindsWorkForIdleMums · 07/10/2025 00:29

The infiltration of man made fibres really doesn't help and the fuckers are sneaky with it. Even decent brands I'm finding I'm having to check the label.....I stick to 100% cotton or wool because I stink otherwise and I won't be the only one.

WickedWitchoftheDesk · 07/10/2025 00:17

I use Fussy deodorant, one of those ‘natural’ ones, and find it works really well. I think it contains probiotics or something that ‘eats’ sweat bacteria. I also shower every morning without fail. Personally I think it’s pretty grim not to hop in shower first thing, as most people sweat at night.
I’m peri menopausal so might be more sensitive to smells. Have also started using public transport, being in a city and near students on a regular basis - sometimes the stench is horrendous.
Am afraid I do screw my nostrils up, get up and move when I can.

BauhausOfEliott · 07/10/2025 00:07

Can’t say I’ve noticed an increase in BO anywhere.

MeEspresso · 06/10/2025 23:56

Friendlygingercat · 06/10/2025 22:26

Honking = disgusting expression.

Is hum dinging any better for you?

TrousersOfTime · 06/10/2025 23:49

I think it's a mixture of more unpredictable weather and the switch to natural deodorants. I tried one, and the stench was hideous!
The current mitchum situation can't be helping - even if people want to stick with it after the recent issues, it's out of stock everywhere!

Justyouwaitandseeagain · 06/10/2025 23:46

I remember the change when smoking was banned in clubs. You went from clubs and bars which stunk of cigarette smoke, to the disgusting fug of body odour and farts 🤢

i notice I am much more intolerant of body odours (including my own) when I'm approaching and on my period, and it was the same when I was pregnant - especially with my daughter - so I think hormones (and menopause) could definitely play a part too.

Original poster
Manatee50 · 06/10/2025 23:45

Imbrocator · 06/10/2025 23:11

I’m curious OP, are you the kind of person to whom any body odour is bad, or is it just particular people? My partner can stink to high heaven but to me he pretty much always smells great. Other people who smell strongly, not so much. I wonder if what you’re actually objecting to is just people whose body odour isn’t palatable to you. Some people just aren’t the right match for our noses!

I think I tolerate most smells but the frequency of smelling people with B.O that had accumulated over time has definitely increased. It may be the pleasant weather we’ve had that is a factor.

OP posts:
QuickPeachPoet · 06/10/2025 23:37

Afraid I don't think 'just showering at night' is an option - you sweat in bed, and sweat turns to BO. I would feel gross if I didn't shower in the morning (and I don't even wear PJs.

Indicateyourintentions · 06/10/2025 23:17

I think it’s washing the clothes at low temperatures that fails to kill the bacteria. You don’t smell when everything goes on fresh but as you warm up the bacteria warms up and then honking all round!

Calliopespa · 06/10/2025 23:16

cordeliabuffy · 06/10/2025 23:14

I don’t really know how to describe it! Most people probably just think of it as bad breath but I’ve had them before and they’re such a distinct smell

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I think breath repulses me even more than whiffy underarms.

cordeliabuffy · 06/10/2025 23:14

Calliopespa · 06/10/2025 23:10

what do they smell of?

Show quote history

I don’t really know how to describe it! Most people probably just think of it as bad breath but I’ve had them before and they’re such a distinct smell

Imbrocator · 06/10/2025 23:11

I’m curious OP, are you the kind of person to whom any body odour is bad, or is it just particular people? My partner can stink to high heaven but to me he pretty much always smells great. Other people who smell strongly, not so much. I wonder if what you’re actually objecting to is just people whose body odour isn’t palatable to you. Some people just aren’t the right match for our noses!

SantiagoShaming · 06/10/2025 23:11

I think it’s the aluminium-free deodorants. Everyone I know seems to be talking about the perils of deodorant and buying it and it just doesn’t work!

Calliopespa · 06/10/2025 23:10

cordeliabuffy · 06/10/2025 23:06

I’ve noticed it a lot recently also the smell of tonsil stones

what do they smell of?

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