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Humans are intricate creatures; we’re all made of roughly the same parts, yet among nearly 8 billion of us, you won’t find a person like yourself. Just think about it: we’re almost ready to jump for joy when we meet someone who shares our interests or has the same tolerance for spicy foods.
That said, have you ever wondered why we like what we like? Well, societal influences and genes play a vital role in determining our traits, actions, and preferences. For instance, some folks are fond of classical music, whereas others are at their happiest when they listen to the Top 40; some of us are great at math, while others have struggled with comprehending educational material for their entire lives. The list could go on and on – however, what’s interesting is that those preferences are not always mundane and banal, and sometimes we find ourselves liking the strangest things ever.
“What’s a weird smell you’re willing to admit you like?” – this netizen turned to one of Reddit’s most thought-provoking communities and asked its members to reveal what odd smells they secretly like. The thread has managed to receive nearly 34K upvotes, as well as 36.2K comments and intriguing answers.
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#1
old books I got my hands on a book from 1743 - a gift from an old lady who wanted to throw it away (!!!) and this was really amazing smell.
The Radio Demon 3 years ago
I work in an antique book store. The store itself has no electric lighting, and we use battery-powered candles and candelabras. It's like stepping back into the 1800s, with the scent of Old Book and flickering candles.
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actaeon cross 3 years ago
My boyfriend just bought a vintage book from a used store and I immediately asked to smell it. He called me weird lol
The Radio Demon 3 years ago
"Bibliosmia or book-smell is caused by the chemical breakdown of compounds within the paper." There you go!!
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Chucky Cheezburger 3 years ago
Oh yeah...I love to go to used bookstores and bury my nose in an old book and just sniiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiff.
RELATED:
#2
Matches after the flame goes out
Sans Serif 3 years ago (edited)
As the occasions where you still encounter matches being lit diminish, my personal feeling is that they reconnect to celebratory memories from the past: birthday candles, fireplaces, holiday candles, fireworks, etc.
M O'Connell 3 years ago
Or because it effectively covers up terrible smells.
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Nothing_To_See_Here_Folks 3 years ago
YES YES YES YESSSS I LOVE IT i HATE the smell of smoke but i love when a flame on a candle or match goes out, smells so nice
Sonnovab Kegeles 3 years ago
Ah, one of my favorite odors. I'm 65 now, but still remember fondly my addiction to fire as a kid, only burned down my bedroom once.
N Miller 3 years ago
So, when my parents were dating my dad still smoked. On one date he lit a cigarette and shook out the match and my mum asked him why he shook it instead of blowing it out. Being a bit of a joker, he told her it smelled less that way. My mum then went through his *entire* book of matches alternating blowing (and sniffing) and shaking (and sniffing) before she twigged that he was pulling her leg. For the record, mum announced she couldn't tell the difference a fraction of a second before she spotted dad's expression.
#3
Hot parking lot when it first starts to rain
Lisa T 3 years ago
Petrichor comes from dirt/earth, though. I think the smell from asphalt/bitumen is different?
Load More Replies... vinny lafreniere 3 years ago
can't agree with this one but I know so many people who enjoy this smell as well!!
#4
Sawdust
Scout Finch 3 years ago
I like this but when the sawdust is originally being generated by a power tool.
DennyS (denzoren) 3 years ago
Yes! When cutting like pine or a really nice smelling wood, it's awesome.
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Jennifer Norton 3 years ago
this one gets me in the nostalgia bone because it always reminds me of weekends of playing in the garage while my dad worked with wood.
Connie Bonneville 3 years ago
Pine sawdust and diesel fuel and snow. Someone pls bottle this so I can relive childhood? Many thanks!
M Kawai 3 years ago
Ahh, the new country home fragrance collection by Glade!
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the one panda _ 3 years ago
I have never been able to experience the smell cause every time i try i sneeze!
#5
That clean laundry smell from external dryer vents.
hamptliz 3 years ago
Laundry detergent smells give me instant headaches and make me nauseous. I really don't know how people can live with it!
Chancey 3 years ago
Me too! I have to use unscented everything to keep from getting a headache and never any fabric softener even if it is fragrance free.
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Duesvolent90 3 years ago
When I was a child yes! As an adult I get anxiety because it had reminded me I forgot to do laundry 🙃
Amber Kaul 3 years ago
Definitely a fond memory scent that i will love till the end of my days.
#6
The inside binding of a new paperback book. It smells so clean.
Shameless Hussy Review 3 years ago
The ink smells of any new book. Family teases me because I greet gift books by smelling them.
the one panda _ 3 years ago
And I love when its a new book youre reading, and then your fingers turn black from the ink!
Duesvolent90 3 years ago
I feel like they smell what learning would smell like... Of course you learn from books so I guess it's a given.
#7
The smoke fireworks leave behind. One of my favorite smells.
Vix Spiderthrust 3 years ago
Cordite. Lovely smell. Used to get it from old-fashioned cap-guns.
Poly Amorous 3 years ago
Ugh. Sorry, I'm basically a dog when it comes to fireworks, so no thanks, haha
Stardust she/her 3 years ago
I personally don’t enjoy anyhting firework related so the smell doesn’t appeal much to me
Hobby Hopper 3 years ago
You sound like my dad. Now that I'm [much] older, I recognize how dangerous they can be and how they scare animals, but as a kid, my siblings and I absolutely loved them! I didn't learn until later that my dad despised them and only put up with them for our sake. My dad is a sweet guy who made a lot of sacrifices for his family.
Load More Replies... #8
Not sure if it qualifies as weird, but the smell of Timothy Hay is very pleasant to me.
Zuabr 3 years ago
I don't like that smell and I just wondered, what do you like about it?
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foofoofloofy 3 years ago
I love the smell of hay as well. And because I have a lot of hay-eating family members, that's a huge plus.
Susan Green 3 years ago
I would love to have some hay-eating family members.
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#9
Ah, back in the old days, the smell of papers that the teacher handed out that were fresh off those old hand-cranked mimeograph machines. The solvent. Mmmm.
Jorie 3 years ago
In my school they were called dittos. How we weren't all brain damaged by sniffing those papers is anybody's guess!
Jill Hojnacki 3 years ago
Ah, yes. The rustle of dozens of papers being raised to noses and the loud, collective, *SNIFF* that followed. 🤣
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heather7d@yahoo.com 3 years ago
What kid didn’t want to be chosen by the teacher to run to the office and pick up the ditto papers fresh from the machine?? Ah, I can smell them to this day!
featherytoad 3 years ago
The first thing everyone did in class when these were passed out was to smell them. One teacher always had a smile on his face because he knew what we were all going to do.
#10
That smell when you walk into a hotel with a pool
Hatchet 3 years ago
Chlorine is odourless. The smell is from the Chlorine breaking down, sweat, urine and other nasties
Load More Replies... Sans Serif 3 years ago
Indoor chlorine with a touch of musk - the trappings of holidays/vacations...
Lacy Vaughn 3 years ago
If you can smell chlorine when you go to a pool that means they don't clean it well and are covering up all the pee in the pool
#11
sharpie permanent markers. i’ve always liked the smell of them since i was a little kid and i don’t know why. it’s like the smell activates all of my senses
Sawyer is watching 3 years ago
I love these, but it's kinda freaky that you can get high off their toxic fumes
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Sans Serif 3 years ago
Aromatic solvents, many different kinds found in many different products. I'm also fond of drying nail lacquer...
Headless Roach 3 years ago
Some are actually scented. I remember buying some eco polish in Taiwan and it smelled like cherry, it was amazing. And held for a week, no bs.
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Sue Denham 3 years ago
Just don't hold it too close to your nose when you sniff. Takes ages to come off. (Not speaking from experience, of course.)
#12
Water coming out of a garden hose. The combination of polyurethane and the metallic ozoneness of the water is heaven.
Martin Kaine 3 years ago
I think it's the rubber in the hose that gives it the flavor. I wish they would sell Hose Water. It would probably outsell Fiji Water.
Load More Replies... Jennifer Norton 3 years ago
I think this is a GenX thing because we all spent our summers drinking out of these and playing with them. love!
Screen_Addict 3 years ago
Gen Z here, and I still do this. maybe it's just the southern in me
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#13
The smell of cooked white rice
NoverPlover 3 years ago
Yesterday I was a at a friends house and we had rice for dinner… for like 5 minutes we stood over the rice maker just sniffing it 😂
Headless Roach 3 years ago (edited)
Good quality rice, right variety, properly cooked, smells like rice heaven
#14
The smell of my dog, ik it sounds weird but he smells like coffee and I like coffee.
Nikkie Nothing 3 years ago
Our dog always smells like the cedar bedding you put in a hamster cage. it's just her natural smell and I love it.
Micah Chips 🇺🇦 3 years ago (edited)
My cat's fur smells like spices, I don't know why, but it's really nice
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Sandra Slingerland 3 years ago
Yes. My dog's paws smell like popcorn. Apparently it is a common phenomenon.
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NoverPlover 3 years ago
My dogs ears smell like vanilla and it’s my favorite smell in the world
#15
I dont know if this counts, where I used to live is very common to hug people all the time, and if I have been in someone's home before, the place would have a particular smell, and almost everytime I would hug them, they would smell like their home. It always felt good to make that association, it was comforting somehow.
Micah Chips 🇺🇦 3 years ago (edited)
My best friend's house-- I want to bottle that smell and sell it as perfume. Maybe it's their laundry soap? Idk but whatever it is, it smells delicious. I love borrowing their clothes (or stealing and POSSIBLY returning, eventually.) for the sole purpose of using them as bedroom air fresheners 😎
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StrangeOne 3 years ago
Depends. My ex's parents house smelled of must and mildew that got on everything that entered and took a couple washes to get out.
Lea Panthera 3 years ago
I do this so frequently that only do I discreetly catch people's scents as they walk by, but I've developed the habit of holding my breath near the people I don't like so I won't smell them.
Yeah, okay. 3 years ago
My grandmother's kitchen and my grandad's wood shop. One was in the lower floor, the other was in the upper and the staircase had the most amazing combination of the two. You couldn't replicate it if you tried.
featherytoad 3 years ago
My MIL house always smells fantastic and when I come home my clothes still smell like her house.
Nathan Pogorzala 3 years ago
I have smelled some pretty funky houses in my life. Maybe it smells good when they are expecting you and they clean up a bit. Like a lingering Pine Sol.
#16
New tires in the shop
Christine Rockwell 3 years ago
Woof! That is one of my worst smells, makes me gag at Sam's Club when I have to walk past the tire place.
Susan Green 3 years ago
I’m going to have to say no to this. The smell of new tires gives me a bit of a headache and I start to feel a bit nauseous
Shiloh Casey 3 years ago
This is my absolute fave! I used to be a courier and LOVED going to the tire warehouses to pick up!
#17
Fired cap gun.....and that blue copy ink from grade school.
Chucky Cheezburger 3 years ago
Yes...teacher hands out worksheets and they still have that damp coolness from the machine. I guarantee that every kid had the paper up to their nose after they got it.
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babyfacefinster 3 years ago
Not to be "that guy", but the blue print ones (ditto) are spirit duplicators. Mimeograph printers usually use black ink and lack that specific smell.
Michelle Thiel 3 years ago (edited)
Thank you. All these years I thought they were the same machine. After your comment, I took a quick look at Wikipedia and I see that they are indeed different.
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#18
Fresh asphalt...also gasoline
Shada 3 years ago
Gasoline before they took the lead out smelled heavenly. Total poison, but smelled wonderful.
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Calder DeFord 3 years ago
I used to like the smell of gasoline, but then i got covid and it fricked up my smell.
Jessica Cifelli 3 years ago
The gasoline smell is such an oddly satisfying smell. Another one of my favorites
Bookmaiden 3 years ago
Love that smell! I think it's because, when I was a kid, they paved my street and it always takes me back!
#19
Pvc pool toys when you're unfolding them before you blow them up
#20
The smell of the water in boat-based rides at theme parks
Katie Lutesinger 3 years ago
Unfortunate that that's a picture of the water park ride that flipped over and killed several people (or at least it looks like that ride. God what a horrible way to die).
CuddlyCapybara 3 years ago
To me that looks like a ride I've went on in universal
Load More Replies... the one panda _ 3 years ago
LOVE IT! It smells like warm water and something else that i cant identify lol
Shelby Minchew 3 years ago
YES! And I would like to be on that very ride for the rest of my life.
Moonwalker 3 years ago
I like it cause it reminds me of riding the Pirates of the Caribbean water ride all the time when I was younger, family trips almost always being going to Disney Land
#21
Freshly opened tennis balls, the smell of AC right when it turns on in a car on a hot day, the smell of a Home Depot or Lowes, cat fur right after they clean it.
Plebbit 3 years ago
That AC smell is one of my favorites. Similar to the frozen aisle of a grocery store. So weird.
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Hill Branda 3 years ago
This. My dad loved to play tennis. I loved the smell of a new can of tennis balls.
DuchessDegu 3 years ago
Cat fur!! Their breath smell like death, but the fur smell like angel wings washed in the purest spring water on a crisp autumn day, how do they do it?
#22
Chlorine. Reminds me of hotel swimming pools. You've all pointed out that it's pee I'm smelling, and I'm cool with that. Still like the smell
Chucky Cheezburger 3 years ago (edited)
I dont think its so much pee your smelling...We use HTH quite a bit where I work and it smells just like a swimming pool, only stronger...and we sure ain't peeing in it. Edit to add: Apparently HTH is more of a brand name. The chemical is actually calcium hypochlorite, which is swimming pool chlorine. We use it to dissolve grease and biosolids in sewage wells.
The ProGamer 3 years ago
Now I'm never going in another pool, I'm traumatised lol
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#23
I remember liking the smell of Disney VHS cases
Duesvolent90 3 years ago
I've forgotten the smell. I'll have to pop one open at the house, I know I've got one somewhere.
#24
White board markers. And single use lenses wipes. Honestly anything chemical smelling.
Metalhead Turtle 🇺🇦 3 years ago
Am I the only one who (alongside several of my peers) would sniff the markers every time we opened it?
#25
The smell of Home Depot
phoenix_rising 3 years ago
My dad took my sister and I here a lot when we were really young, and the smell of it hits the nostalgia just right
Stephanie A Mutti 3 years ago
OMG There was a small independent hardware/lumber store in the next town growing up and I LOVED when my dad had an errand to run there. Just for the smell!!!
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#26
Church candles. You know when you walk into a church and they're burning those long tapered white/off-white candles? And there's that indistinct-but-waxy scent wafting through the air. That scent.
Sans Serif 3 years ago
Yes, but of course - candles in general, I say! You could easily add church smells to the list as well!
Calvin Girvin 3 years ago
The church candles are made of beeswax is the reason they small that way (at least on Roman Catholic and Episcopal churches
#27
WD-40
Jan Rosier 3 years ago
In my motorbike years, I used regular WD40 as a complete coating after cleaning. (not on handlebars, seat and brakediscs off course). Also on the exhaust. Next time you start the engine en exhaust heats up, you are in a cloud of evaporating WD40 for half a minute. Smells even better than normal WD40 smell.
Duesvolent90 3 years ago
Reminds me of my technician days. If I smell this then it's going to be a rough day lol.
#28
I love the smell of basement- which I don't know if is weird, but I'm the only one I know who likes it.
Headless Roach 3 years ago
Mixed with rotting potatoes, oh some roachhood memories
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M O'Connell 3 years ago
As someone with a severe chipmunk problem I was worried those were acorns in the picture, but apparently it's gravel.
over it already 3 years ago
Yeah, I'm a little off-put by whatever is going on in that basement in the pic. And the lack of respect for that poor wooden ladder...
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#29
The smell of brand new tech gadgets. It smells technology.
Whenever I buy a new mouse or keyboard (it is especially true for logitech products I don't know if it is a general thing) I sniff them as long as I can detect that sweet plastic-y, ultra clean smelling goodness.
Valden 3 years ago
I love to smell just about anything manufactured out of curiosity. Does not matter what it is, if it's new I will smell it before using it. What really like is the smell of new electronics. As far back as smelling Atari cartridges. The smell is due to the Synthetic Organic Chemicals used in the packaging or the shell of the product.
Shelby Minchew 3 years ago
That smell triggers your excitement because you know that smell means you got a new device!
#30
Windex
#31
I love how my bird smells. I have a green cheek conure and he hangs out with me all the time. He's hand-trained and hangs out with me constantly unless it's time for bed or when I'm at work (which he then goes in his cage). He doesn't mind when I bring him up to my face and just give him a big 'ol whiff. I give him bird chop (which is basically a mix bird-friendly veggies, grains, and a few seeds) and he smells like a pleasant combination of mixed veggies and a feather pillow.
He's a needy little thing but I love him. He loves popcorn, sunflower seeds, and riding my dog around
Edit: Hahaha you guys are great. A few more facts for those who asked:
His name is Apple but has multiple nicknames: Appie slice, Cash money, apple tart, apple cider vinegar, appie sauce, and Gregory when you're feeling nasty.
- Appie slice wants anything in your hand. Doesn't matter what it is, he'll demand it
- Cash Money knows the sound of food no matter what it's in, but he'll come running. You're simply holding his food for him while he gets to you
- Gregory doesn't fly often. He's very lazy and I usually throw him in the air to get him to fly (exercise) a bit. He flock calls when he wants a ride. He literally has two modes of transportation and refuses to use them:l Hence riding anyone he can, including the dog
- Appie sauce is generally very quiet but does give kisses with kissy noises (muah muah)
- The dogs name is Wren, she's a sweetheart and gets bullied by Apple Cider Vinegar, which is how he got that nickname
Pet Tax: https://imgur.com/a/94f95dE
#32
I'm not 100% how to say this but certain women's sweat. It's like I can smell the pheromones. Kind of like how women like a guy who has a good Musk sometimes.
#33
Chlorhexidine
actaeon cross 3 years ago
Google says it's a disinfectant and antiseptic that is used for skin disinfection before surgery and to sterilize surgical instruments. Wikipedia states it also has dental and topical uses.
Load More Replies... Linda 3 years ago
We use it as mouthwash for post op max fax patients and the smell makes me gag.
ItsJess 3 years ago
I love it too...I'm also the only persons I know who likes the way Peridex tastes (I'm a hygienist, I use it with patients post-SRP)
Load More Replies... #34
The smell of a hot computer. It gives a melting plastic stench, reminds me of the computer lab class back in middle school. Use to goof off in there on the daily and try not to get caught. Good times
Duesvolent90 3 years ago
Ah yes. We'd all be playing the first Halo game on it in a LAN party. One of the kids told on us. Next day the computers were turned around facing the teacher.
#35
My own dirty hair. It’s oddly comforting. Other people have also commented on it… but positively.
#36
When I rub my finger behind my ears or the sides of my nostrils. Whatever glands are there, as I get older, produce a smell that for some disgusting reason is pleasant to me.
Katie Lutesinger 3 years ago
I just tried this but all I got from behind my ear was the smell of my shampoo!
Carla Phillips 3 years ago
Omg! I knew other people for it from behind the ears but not from beside the nostrils too! I feel like we should be friends!
What do you think ?
Madison Pheysey 3 years ago
How on earth did no one say paint! I love the smell of paint and nail polish!
Kate Jones 3 years ago
I was saying the same thing. Acetone is one of my favorite smells. I have to stop myself when I'm doing my nails to not stick my nose in the little remover bottle and just keep it there and destroy my brain cells, lol. But it's probably one of my fav smells in the world.
Load More Replies... zak 3 years ago
I kinda like the smell of skunks. I probably wouldn't like it if I got sprayed by one, but if you just smell one on the breeze it's kinda nice 🤷🏼♂️
Danielle Ocasio Fast 3 years ago
I love the smell of skunks. I used to have those scratch & sniff stickers and I just about scratched through all the skunks. Now I just smoke skunky weed lolol
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Marisol L. Banks 3 years ago
The smell of a newborn baby’s head. I call it the Elixir of Youth.
CrunChewy McSandybutt 3 years ago
I love the smell of a cave. The mineral smell, the cool air. So good. I also like the smell of carbon paper, which dates me a bit.
Den Ver 3 years ago (edited)
Thanks for mentioning carbon paper. This had been "erased" from my memory before you mentioned it.
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Dirk Daring 3 years ago (edited)
When you turn the heat on in your house for the first time after the weather turns cold.
Madison Pheysey 3 years ago
How on earth did no one say paint! I love the smell of paint and nail polish!
Kate Jones 3 years ago
I was saying the same thing. Acetone is one of my favorite smells. I have to stop myself when I'm doing my nails to not stick my nose in the little remover bottle and just keep it there and destroy my brain cells, lol. But it's probably one of my fav smells in the world.
Load More Replies... zak 3 years ago
I kinda like the smell of skunks. I probably wouldn't like it if I got sprayed by one, but if you just smell one on the breeze it's kinda nice 🤷🏼♂️
Danielle Ocasio Fast 3 years ago
I love the smell of skunks. I used to have those scratch & sniff stickers and I just about scratched through all the skunks. Now I just smoke skunky weed lolol
Load More Replies... Marisol L. Banks 3 years ago
The smell of a newborn baby’s head. I call it the Elixir of Youth.
CrunChewy McSandybutt 3 years ago
I love the smell of a cave. The mineral smell, the cool air. So good. I also like the smell of carbon paper, which dates me a bit.
Den Ver 3 years ago (edited)
Thanks for mentioning carbon paper. This had been "erased" from my memory before you mentioned it.
Load More Replies... Dirk Daring 3 years ago (edited)
When you turn the heat on in your house for the first time after the weather turns cold.
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