rotten egg1
/ˌrɒtn ˈɛɡ/noun
1An egg which has gone rotten.
- Often with reference to the sulphurous smell of rotten eggs, or to the practice of throwing them at a person to demonstrate scorn or disapproval..
2 Figurative. A worthless or contemptible person or thing.
Origin
Mid 16th century. From rotten + egg.
rotten-egg2
/ˌrɒtnˈɛɡ/verb
[with object] To pelt with rotten eggs as a demonstration of disapproval or dislike. Also figurative : to criticize or ridicule; to pour scorn on.
Origin
Mid 19th century. From rotten egg. Compare egg.