Paradox of language: smelly feet and runny nose [closed]
How come our nose run and our feet smell? What is the etymology of this paradox phrase?
There isn't one. Smelly feet/feet smell refers to the odour or scent given off by the feet:
smell, v.
- a. intr. To give out, send forth, or exhale an odour; to have a smell, scent, etc.
A runny nose uses the following definition of runny:
runny, adj.
a. Tending to run or flow; having the consistency of liquid, fluid, not set; soft, melting; watery.
orig. U.S. Of the nose: running, discharging mucus. Of the eyes: watering, or tending to water.