# Odors you find pleaseant that are generaly thought of as repulsive. **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [January 15, 2018, 8:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/odors-you-find-pleaseant-that-are-generaly-thought-of-as-repulsive/806716 "2018-01-15T20:44:05Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![HoneyBadgerDC](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/honeybadgerdc/32/1033_2.png) [@HoneyBadgerDC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HoneyBadgerDC)\ **Post date:** [January 15, 2018, 8:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/odors-you-find-pleaseant-that-are-generaly-thought-of-as-repulsive/806716/1 "2018-01-15T20:44:05Z")
I can only think of a few examples off the top of my head but I am sure more will come to me. The smell of a fish hauling trailer. I was the only one who could work on them without gagging, I loved the smell. Same with dairy farms and nasty swamp water black muck. I associate these things with pleasant memories. ---
**Author:** ![mind\_the\_gap](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/ea666f/32.png) [@mind\_the\_gap](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mind_the_gap)\ **Post date:** [January 15, 2018, 8:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/odors-you-find-pleaseant-that-are-generaly-thought-of-as-repulsive/806716/2 "2018-01-15T20:54:56Z")
When I was young, my mom and I would visit relatives in South Carolina every summer. There were always dogs and leaky cars, and to this day the combination of dog shit and gasoline brings back happy memories of playing with my cousins. The smell of two stroke premix oil, especially bean oil (castor) being burned makes me feel like a 20 something riding in the dez. Happy, happy, happy. ---
**Author:** ![Chimera](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/8e8cbc/32.png) [@Chimera](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chimera)\ **Post date:** [January 15, 2018, 8:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/odors-you-find-pleaseant-that-are-generaly-thought-of-as-repulsive/806716/3 "2018-01-15T20:58:54Z")
The smell of wood smoke. It brings back a lot of good memories and makes me wish that I had a wood burning fireplace again. My pride and joy Little Guy (1986-2006) used to love the fireplace in the house we had so much that I would lay down my coat for him to lay in, right in front of the fireplace, then light a fire just for him, while I was working in another room. Then I’d come out and snuggle him from time to time as he purred and stuck his tongue out in joy. 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![Dendarii\_Dame](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/bbce88/32.png) [@Dendarii\_Dame](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dendarii_Dame)\ **Post date:** [January 15, 2018, 9:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/odors-you-find-pleaseant-that-are-generaly-thought-of-as-repulsive/806716/4 "2018-01-15T21:16:01Z")
Vinegar. My mother used it as a hair rinse for me. ---
**Author:** ![nearwildheaven](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/90db22/32.png) [@nearwildheaven](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/nearwildheaven)\ **Post date:** [January 15, 2018, 9:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/odors-you-find-pleaseant-that-are-generaly-thought-of-as-repulsive/806716/5 "2018-01-15T21:19:57Z")
Midrin capsules. Most people don’t like the way they smell; I always liked counting them because that way, I could smell them. The generic and off-brand capsules didn’t smell the same, and I personally found that odor unpleasant. > **[Midrin (Acetaminophen, Isometheptene and Dichloralphenazone): Uses, Dosage,...](https://www.rxlist.com/midrin-drug.htm)** > > Midrin (Acetaminophen, Isometheptene and Dichloralphenazone) may treat, side effects, dosage, drug interactions, warnings, patient labeling, reviews, and related medications including drug comparison and health resources. ---
**Author:** ![NeonMadman](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/58f4c7/32.png) [@NeonMadman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/NeonMadman)\ **Post date:** [January 15, 2018, 9:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/odors-you-find-pleaseant-that-are-generaly-thought-of-as-repulsive/806716/6 "2018-01-15T21:20:47Z")
A lot of people find the smell of low tide at the ocean unpleasant, but for me it evokes memories of beach trips I took as a kid. ---
**Author:** ![monstro](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/ba9def/32.png) [@monstro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/monstro)\ **Post date:** [January 15, 2018, 9:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/odors-you-find-pleaseant-that-are-generaly-thought-of-as-repulsive/806716/7 "2018-01-15T21:34:59Z")
Candle smoke. I don’t smoke. I have never smoked. I hate smoking. But sometimes cigarette smoke is pleasant to me. ---
**Author:** ![Shagnasty](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/9dc877/32.png) [@Shagnasty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shagnasty)\ **Post date:** [January 15, 2018, 9:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/odors-you-find-pleaseant-that-are-generaly-thought-of-as-repulsive/806716/8 "2018-01-15T21:37:25Z")
I can’t say that I think it is great, but I never really minded skunk spray smell at least from a distance. It is just really strong if you or your pet gets sprayed directly. From a distance, it reminds me of puppy breath. ---
**Author:** ![BobBitchin](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/7ea924/32.png) [@BobBitchin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BobBitchin)\ **Post date:** [January 15, 2018, 10:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/odors-you-find-pleaseant-that-are-generaly-thought-of-as-repulsive/806716/9 "2018-01-15T22:04:10Z")
Silly and cliche as it sounds I like the smell of race gas, tire smoke and new tires. I love the way a warehouse smells. Bicycle and motorcycle shops and tire stores smell like new tires. But the very best is old guitar case…Mmmm. musty old gluey smell:cool: ---
**Author:** ![pohjonen](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pohjonen/32/423_2.png) [@pohjonen](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pohjonen)\ **Post date:** [January 15, 2018, 10:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/odors-you-find-pleaseant-that-are-generaly-thought-of-as-repulsive/806716/10 "2018-01-15T22:15:33Z")
Cow patties. Reminds me of playing in my aunt’s barn up in the U.P. as a child. ---
**Author:** ![Lamoral](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lamoral/32/16078_2.png) [@Lamoral](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lamoral)\ **Post date:** [January 15, 2018, 10:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/odors-you-find-pleaseant-that-are-generaly-thought-of-as-repulsive/806716/11 "2018-01-15T22:15:36Z")
> [@Chimera](#): > > The smell of wood smoke. > > It brings back a lot of good memories and makes me wish that I had a wood burning fireplace again. Who actually finds the smell of wood smoke _repulsive,_ as stated by the thread’s title? The smell of fireplaces in fall and winter is constantly described in an endearing manner virtually any time I’ve ever heard anyone talk about them. ---
**Author:** ![Paintcharge](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/paintcharge/32/7946_2.png) [@Paintcharge](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Paintcharge)\ **Post date:** [January 15, 2018, 10:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/odors-you-find-pleaseant-that-are-generaly-thought-of-as-repulsive/806716/12 "2018-01-15T22:26:58Z")
> [@Shagnasty](#): > > I can’t say that I think it is great, but I never really minded skunk spray smell at least from a distance. It is just really strong if you or your pet gets sprayed directly. From a distance, it reminds me of puppy breath. My pup got tagged in the fall. Now the fading smell of things he touched while skunky kind of smell like coffee. ---
**Author:** ![Malthus](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/85f322/32.png) [@Malthus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Malthus)\ **Post date:** [January 15, 2018, 10:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/odors-you-find-pleaseant-that-are-generaly-thought-of-as-repulsive/806716/13 "2018-01-15T22:29:47Z")
> [@Dendarii\_Dame](#): > > Vinegar. My mother used it as a hair rinse for me. You may like these little creatures: > **[Uropygi](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thelyphonida)** > > Thelyphonida Latreille, 1804 (as Thélyphone) > Uropygi is an arachnid order comprising invertebrates commonly known as whip scorpions or vinegaroons (also spelled vinegarroons and vinegarones). They are often called uropygids. The name "whip scorpion" refers to their resemblance to true scorpions and possession of a whiplike tail, and "vinegaroon" refers to their ability when attacked to discharge an offensive, vinegar-smelling liquid, which contains acetic acid. The order may also be called T... > [@](#): > > Vinegaroons have no venom glands, but they have glands near the rear of their abdomen that can spray a combination of acetic acid and caprylic acid when they are bothered.[9] The acetic acid gives this spray a vinegar-like smell, giving rise to the common name vinegaroon. ---
**Author:** ![DrDeth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/b487fb/32.png) [@DrDeth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DrDeth)\ **Post date:** [January 15, 2018, 10:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/odors-you-find-pleaseant-that-are-generaly-thought-of-as-repulsive/806716/14 "2018-01-15T22:35:58Z")
> [@Dendarii\_Dame](#): > > Vinegar. My mother used it as a hair rinse for me. Me too. I also enjoy a mild smell of bromine, like in the Pirates of the Caribbean. Around here, what with all the brush fires, I find wood smoke slightly alarming. A lit strike anywhere match- in moderation. ---
**Author:** ![Beckdawrek](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/beckdawrek/32/3647_2.png) [@Beckdawrek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Beckdawrek)\ **Post date:** [January 15, 2018, 10:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/odors-you-find-pleaseant-that-are-generaly-thought-of-as-repulsive/806716/15 "2018-01-15T22:37:11Z")
Cabbage or greens cooking. I like tire store smell, too. The smell of pipe tobacco and Old Spice, reminds of my Daddy. Shoe polish does too. ---
**Author:** ![Joey\_P](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/919ad9/32.png) [@Joey\_P](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Joey_P)\ **Post date:** [January 15, 2018, 10:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/odors-you-find-pleaseant-that-are-generaly-thought-of-as-repulsive/806716/16 "2018-01-15T22:52:40Z")
> [@monstro](#): > > Candle smoke. > > I don’t smoke. I have never smoked. I hate smoking. But sometimes cigarette smoke is pleasant to me. I do smoke but will still tell you that room full of smokers isn’t all that pleasant. Stale smoke on clothes doesn’t smell particularly good to anyone. However, many people have agreed with me (smokers and non smokers) that the smell of fresh cigarette smoke, as it first drifts into a room when some lights up else where in the house/apartment is a pretty nice smell. Just those first few whiffs. After that it just smells like someone’s smoking. ---
**Author:** ![DrDeth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/b487fb/32.png) [@DrDeth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DrDeth)\ **Post date:** [January 15, 2018, 10:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/odors-you-find-pleaseant-that-are-generaly-thought-of-as-repulsive/806716/17 "2018-01-15T22:58:03Z")
> [@Joey\_P](#): > > I do smoke but will still tell you that room full of smokers isn’t all that pleasant. Stale smoke on clothes doesn’t smell particularly good to anyone. However, many people have agreed with me (smokers and non smokers) that the smell of fresh cigarette smoke, as it first drifts into a room when some lights up else where in the house/apartment is a pretty nice smell. Just those first few whiffs. After that it just smells like someone’s smoking. Could be the match smell, too? I have noticed that first light up isnt repulsive. ---
**Author:** ![5\_time\_champ](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/5/278dde/32.png) [@5\_time\_champ](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/5_time_champ)\ **Post date:** [January 15, 2018, 11:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/odors-you-find-pleaseant-that-are-generaly-thought-of-as-repulsive/806716/18 "2018-01-15T23:08:35Z")
Ethyl gasoline, the old leaded gas at a full service gas station. Who knows what kind of brain damage we probably got from it. It had, as I recall, an odd, sweet smell to it. Also the smell of bleach. To me it smells fresh and clean. ---
**Author:** ![Desert\_Nomad](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/desert_nomad/32/177_2.png) [@Desert\_Nomad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Desert_Nomad)\ **Post date:** [January 15, 2018, 11:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/odors-you-find-pleaseant-that-are-generaly-thought-of-as-repulsive/806716/19 "2018-01-15T23:25:05Z")
JetA. Always reminds me of flying around the Far East when I was a kid. ---
**Author:** ![John\_Mace](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/john_mace/32/185_2.png) [@John\_Mace](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/John_Mace)\ **Post date:** [January 15, 2018, 11:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/odors-you-find-pleaseant-that-are-generaly-thought-of-as-repulsive/806716/20 "2018-01-15T23:36:40Z")
My farts? Someone had to say it… 😃 [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/odors-you-find-pleaseant-that-are-generaly-thought-of-as-repulsive/806716.md?page=2)